Multi-Step Equations: Distribute, Combine, Solve

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Mathematics · Algebra I
SP-ALG1-002 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 2
Multi-Step Equations: Distribute, Combine,
Solve
Mathematics · Algebra I · Grades 8-9 · 50 minutes
Time needed
50 minutes (one class period)
Prep
Copy the 2-page worksheet (one per student). Write the four-step plan and the worked
example on the board.
Technology
None. Calculators are optional for arithmetic only.
Student
independence
High. Students work alone, then compare answers with a partner.
Copies to make
One 2-page worksheet per student
Materials
Pencils, Worksheet, Whiteboard or chalkboard
Goal for today: Students will solve multi-step linear equations by distributing, combining like terms, and collecting
variables on one side, and will check answers by substitution.
Before the bell
☐ Copy the worksheet, one per student (2 pages).
☐ Write on the board: 1) Distribute. 2) Combine like terms on each side. 3) Get the x terms on one side and the
numbers on the other. 4) Undo the multiply or divide. Then CHECK.
☐ Write the worked example from the schedule (2(x + 3) + x = 21) on the board so students can copy it.
☐ Keep the answer key on your desk. You do not need to solve anything yourself.
Say this to start
Good morning! Your teacher left an equation-solving practice for today. Each problem takes a few steps, so the board
has a four-step plan to follow. Work on your own first and show every step. Near the end we will check answers
together, and you will play detective on some sample work that has mistakes in it.

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Mathematics · Algebra I
SP-ALG1-002 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 3
Run of show
Minutes
What you do
What students do
0–5
Take attendance the way the school requires. Hand out the
worksheet face down and ask students to wait.
Settle in, take out a pencil, and wait for
directions.
5–12
Read the worked example on the board aloud, slowly. 2(x
+ 3) + x = 21. Distribute: 2x + 6 + x = 21. Combine like
terms: 3x + 6 = 21. Subtract 6: 3x = 15. Divide by 3: x = 5.
Check: 2(5 + 3) + 5 = 21. It works!
Follow along and copy the example into the
margin of the worksheet.
12–32
Tell students to complete Part A (problems 1–8) and show
every step in the work boxes. Walk the room. If a student is
stuck, point to the four-step plan and ask, “Is there a
parenthesis to distribute first?”
Solve each equation on their own, showing
all steps.
32–40
Tell students to do Part B (questions 9–10) and the Error
Detective table. Partners may compare answers quietly.
Answer the two multiple-choice questions
and decide which sample solutions are
right or wrong.
40–46
Read the Part A answers aloud from the key, one at a time.
Students mark each answer right or wrong and fix mistakes
in a different color if possible.
Check their own work and correct errors.
46–50
Have students write the exit ticket sentence, then collect
all worksheets and stack them for the teacher.
Write one sentence about the hardest step.
Hand in the worksheet.
If things go wrong
• If students say, “We have not learned this,” tell them it is practice and the board shows every step. Pair them
with a neighbor who is comfortable.
• If a student keeps getting wrong answers, ask them to put the answer back in the original equation. The
check shows whether something went wrong.
• If a student finishes in under 25 minutes, check that every problem shows its steps, then use the early
finisher list.
• If the class is noisy, remind them this is individual practice time. Partners may whisper only during Part B.
Early finishers
• Write two original equations that need distributing and have the answer x = 3. Trade with a neighbor and
solve.
• Solve 3(x − 2) = 2(x + 4) and explain each step in words on the back.
Support and challenge
• Support: Let students use a calculator for arithmetic only and complete problems 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
• Challenge: Ask students to solve 2(3x − 4) − 5 = 4(x + 1) + 3 and check the answer.

SubstitutePlans.com
Mathematics · Algebra I
SP-ALG1-002 · Free to print and use in your classroom · substituteplans.com
Page 4
Notes for the teacher (you fill this in)
Jot a few lines before you leave. A full Daily Sub Report is in the free Sub Survival Kit at SubstitutePlans.com.
How far the class got / what to pick up next:
Students who were especially helpful:
Anything the teacher should know: