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Day 16 · Keep an equation balancedYear 8 Maths · T1 W3–4 · Day 16 lesson

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Year 8 / Mathematics / Term 1 / Weeks 03 04

Part of the full two-week lesson sequence. Check the pack guide and taught point before teaching.

Open for this lesson: Pack guide · Sources and materials · Daily routes · Worked swaps · Fresh learner checks · Aids and text routes.

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Teacher copy: This page may include teaching prompts or answer keys. Answer keys in this public library can be viewed by anyone. Give learners a clean prompt, use checks as formative evidence, and change a case locally when prior access matters.

Learner prompts

Codes: AC9M8A02. Goal: solve a two-step linear equation, including a rational solution in practice, and verify by substitution. Prepare: balance/rearrange mat.

Launch · 2 min. Ask what equality means in 3x+7=25: both sides hold the same value.
Model · 5 min. Subtract 7 on both sides, divide both sides by 3: x=6. Substitute: 3×6+7=25. The balance picture helps explain inverse operations.
Guided · 6 min. Solve 2y+5=12: 2y=7, y=7/2=3.5; substitute 2×3.5+5=12. A rational answer is legitimate when the variable has no whole-number domain restriction.
Practice · 6 min. D16-A/B/C solve distinct rational-result equations, with tiles, spoken balancing or error critique. Require exact fraction/decimal and substitution.
Exit · 4 min. In 4z−3=9, z=3; check 4×3−3=9. Ask why adding 3 happens before dividing 4.
Note · 2 min. If a learner alters one side only, use the balance mat; if arithmetic slips, preserve algebra evidence and check with calculator after setup.

Later: Day16 extra uses a negative starting constant.

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