I tell them to rewrite it with just integers to figure out what part to get rid of then replace back with the fractions or decimals. I find that they get confused with all the extra numbers and undo the wrong thing. This helps some of the kids at least.
Thanks; good idea. A later chapter will talk about multiplying through by common denominator. Not all kids glom onto that but some do, so it's worth showing them.
The practices are spread out through the lesson; I just don't include all the examples, but rather give a sample of some of the variations and how to deal with them. I like to leave time for them to start on the homework, so the practice examples get them prepared for that. And then when they begin the HW in class, I'm available to answer questions. This was explained in an earlier chapter that isn't currently posted on Substack.
You'll note that at the end, I say that eliminating fractions will be a later lesson. New teachers follow the examples of poorly-written textbooks and try to cram that in. It's too much for one lesson. Kids have a hard time with these type of two-step equations.
I tell them to rewrite it with just integers to figure out what part to get rid of then replace back with the fractions or decimals. I find that they get confused with all the extra numbers and undo the wrong thing. This helps some of the kids at least.
Thanks; good idea. A later chapter will talk about multiplying through by common denominator. Not all kids glom onto that but some do, so it's worth showing them.
And teachers, new ones particularly, must understand from warm up, instruction and practice this is a solid 50 minutes.
The practice piece needs several examples with these subtle variations, spaced over time.
The practices are spread out through the lesson; I just don't include all the examples, but rather give a sample of some of the variations and how to deal with them. I like to leave time for them to start on the homework, so the practice examples get them prepared for that. And then when they begin the HW in class, I'm available to answer questions. This was explained in an earlier chapter that isn't currently posted on Substack.
You'll note that at the end, I say that eliminating fractions will be a later lesson. New teachers follow the examples of poorly-written textbooks and try to cram that in. It's too much for one lesson. Kids have a hard time with these type of two-step equations.