INTEGRATED ALGEBRA

Using Distributive Property to Solve Equations

AIM: How can we use the distributive property to solve equations?

DO NOW: Simplify each expression. (Hint: use the distributive property.

1. 9(x + 5) 9x + 45
2. -3(y + 14) -3y - 42
When you distribute a negative number, what do you notice about the problem?

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
• We have discovered the importance of the distributive property in the
real number system. Why is the distributive property now useful in
solving equations?

OBJECTIVES: Students Will Be Able To (SWBAT):

• identify and apply the properties of real numbers such as the distributive
Property and the inverse property
• solve equations in one variable that contains more than one variable
• use the distributive property when necessary to solve equations

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS:

A.CED.1. Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include
equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.

A.REI.1.Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers
asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution.
Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.

RESOURCES AND MATERIALS:

Student Dry Erase Whiteboards
Class room Posters on solving two-step equations
Smartboard Technology
Castle Learning
Skedula
Engage NY
Jefferson Map worksheet
Examgen Test Generator

© Tiffany M. Tirado 2014 http://bit.ly/1yNZhTO

DEVELOPMENT AND MINI-LESSON:

REVIEW: Distributive Property

 Letters: a(b + c) = ab + ac
 Numbers: 3(x + 7) = 3x + 21
 Symbols: ∆(♥ + ♫) = ∆♥ + ∆♫
 outside term  inside term  inside term  or
 inside term  inside term  outside term

Solve Equations:
By using inverse operations to isolate the variable

Types of Equations
1. Simple Step Equation
2. Two-Step Equation
How is a simple step equation different from a two-step equation?

3. Using the Distributive Property

First multiply the outside term with each inside term within the parenthesis,
then solve for the variable by using inverse operations.
EXAMPLE 1:
8(m + 5) = 16
8m + 8∙ 5 = 16 Distributive Property
8m + 40 = 16
- 40 -40 Subtract 40 to both sides
8m = -24
8 8 Divide 8 to both sides
m = -3

How can we be sure that -3 is the correct solution?

Is there a difference between solving equation using the distributive property and
from solving two-step equations? Justify your answer.
Is there another way to solve these equations without using the distributive
property?

© Tiffany M. Tirado 2014 http://bit.ly/1yNZhTO

DIFFERENTIATION AND ASSESSMENT:
Students will be grouped according to math skills based on BASELINE exam given in October and
their 8th grade Math levels.
The students have assigned seats and work at their table together based on these skills.
Some students are at risk due to attendance. Questions will range from simple to challenging.

KEY ACADEMIC/DOMAIN VOCABULARY:

Prior Knowledge New Vocabulary
Equation Using the distributive to solve equations
Inverse
Varible
Solve/Solution
Distributive Property

KEY QUESTIONS TO CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Please refer to the green highlighted questions throughout the lesson.

WHOLE CLASS SHARING:

Review answers from the worksheet as a class with student responses.

CLASS WORK: Solve each equation using the distributive property. Check your answers.
1. 5(n + 1) = 60
5n + 5 = 60
5n = 55
n = 11
2. 3(a – 14) = -12
3a – 42 = -12
3a = 30
a = 10

3. 2(2x + 1) = 146
4x + 2 = 146
4x = 144
x = 36

4. 0.5(4x - 12) = 10
2x - 6 = 10
2x = 16
x=8 What happened when you distributed by the decimal?

What symbol helps you make the decision to use the distributive
property?

Do you always use the distributive property when the expression or

equation contains parenthesis?

© Tiffany M. Tirado 2014 http://bit.ly/1yNZhTO

HOMEWORK: Worksheet – Using the Distributive Property

FINAL SUMMARY:
Students will restate the properties of real numbers such as the distributive
Property and the inverse property
students will explain how to solve equations using the distributive property

Exit Slip

Does x = 3 for the following equation 5(x – 4) = -6. Justify your answer.

© Tiffany M. Tirado 2014 http://bit.ly/1yNZhTO