Year 8 - Maths
Securing understanding of equality
Solving linear equations
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn how to find a value that satisfies a linear relationship when one value is known both with a single step operation, and multiple step operations. A variety of cases are explored including using brackets and rearranging.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to appreciate how to maintain equality between two statements.
Key Notes
- Bar models can be used to compare expressions.
- If the expressions are equal the bars will be the same length.
- Operations can be performed on the bars that maintain equality.
- This can be extended to operations on statements expressed algebraically.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Equation: An equation is used to show two expressions that are equal to each other.
- Variable: A variable is a quantity that can take on a range of values, often denoted by a letter.
- Constant: A constant is a term that does not change; it contains no variables.
- Like terms: Like terms are terms that have the same set of variables and corresponding exponents.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Trying to double an expression and only doubling one term.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Bar models can be used to compare expressions. If the expressions are equal the bars will be the same length.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Equation'
An equation is used to show two expressions that are equal to each other. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Trying to double an expression and only doubling one term. Correction: Use the numerical examples to show why this does not work. Use of brackets in working out is also helpful.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Brackets in equations Study Guide
- Checking understanding of algebraic notation Study Guide
- Different types of equations Study Guide
- Equality in an equation Study Guide
- Many equations, one solution Study Guide
- Preparing to solve two step linear equations Study Guide
- Problem solving with linear equations Study Guide
- Rearranging to solve linear equations Study Guide
- Solution to an equation Study Guide
- Solving complex linear equations Study Guide
- Solving complex linear equations involving brackets Study Guide
- Solving linear equations graphically using technology Study Guide
- Solving linear equations where brackets are used Study Guide
- Solving simple linear equations with a multiplicative step Study Guide
- Solving simple linear equations with an additive step Study Guide
- Solving two step linear equations Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Maths guide library.