Week 5: Multi-Step Equations

Week 5: Multi-Step Equations

Start Here

-8x - 2 = 3(2x + 4)

Does this problem look overwhelming? Well, this is comparable to the longest problem you could see on the HiSET. And what you will notice is that this problem isn't really harder than x + 5 = 3. It's just longer. So as long as you've mastered how to solve a one-step equation, this week we will explore how to take the concept and apply it to longer problems.

To get started, check out the LESSON OBJECTIVES next.

Lesson Objectives

You can use this as a checklist to monitor and measure your learning! At this end of this module, you should be able to:

• • Solve two-step equations

  • Solve multi-step equations

  • Solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides

Check out the LESSON ACTIVITIES next.

Lesson Activities

You can also use this as a checklist to make sure you've finished the entire assignment:

• • Create a "Khan hints" guide to solving multi-step problems in Part 2

  • Practice Khan problems in Part 3

  • <Optional> Join our live video chat on Wednesday, August 12th at 6pm in Part 4

Estimated time to complete: 1-2 hours

These activities are due by 9pm on Sunday, August 16th

Next up, check out PART 1.

Part 1 - Video Introduction Multi-Step Equations

How confident are you with solving x + 5 =3? How about -8x - 2 = 3(2x + 4)? While the second problem may seem much harder, it's really only longer. We solve the first problem by cancelling the 5's. In the second problem, we just have a few more terms to cancel to get x alone. So mastering the one-step equation is the foundation to success with Algebra.

To introduce ourselves to these longer equations, check out this video:

Then move on to PART 2 below!

Part 2 - Khan Tips Guide

Multi-step equations are really just a longer version of a one-step problem. The goal is always to isolate the variable, which we do by “undoing” or cancelling the other terms. And what's the best way to learning something new? Try to teach someone else. Your goal here is to create a clear guide for how to solve a multi-step equation with distribution.

Week 5: Multi-Step Equations

When you finish the writing activity, you can move on to PART 3!

Part 3 - Practice suggestions on Khan

Remember to find time to get on Khan Academy to practice each suggested skill. Notice that this week, some of the skills will be found in your course on "ALGEBRA BASICS". You can also access them with the links in the spreadsheet on this page. So, next, time you log-in to your Khan Academy account:

1. Click on the "ALGEBRA BASICS" and "8TH GRADE" courses

2. There will be a few skill suggestions from me. These are the focus this week, so click into each of them and try to complete all your suggested activities by this Sunday!

Part 4 - Optional - Join us for the weekly live video chat and tutoring session!

There will be 1-hour webinars for students and teachers to get online together, ask questions, and review coursework. Students can choose to ask questions or just listen along as we work through the course. The first webinar will be held:

Wednesday, August 12th, 6-7pm