Hands-On Algebra with Fractions and Mixed Numbers
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When you hear the word “algebra”, what do
you think of?
What are some things you know about
algebra?
How might you use algebra in real-life?
Think of a time when you have used algebra.
Why was this important? (Money, “how much
more do I need to have a certain amount?”,
etc.)
What is an equation?
An equation is a number sentence that
contains an equal sign.
Example of an equation: x+ ½ = 1
What is a variable?
A variable is a letter or other symbol that
represents an unknown number in an equation.
Example of a variable: x + ½ = 1
We do not yet know what the value of “x” is, so
“x” is the variable.
In Hands-On Equations, the blue pawns
represent the variable in your equation.
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Yellow “Balance” board
Each side of your balance is equal to the
other!
Your goal is to have only pawns on one side,
and only numbers/fractions on the other.
Let’s make a balance. How can I keep it in
balance? What can I do to make it balanced?
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Blue Pawns “x”
The blue pawns represent your variables.
All your blue pawns have the same value in
each equation, it’s your job to find the value!
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Red Number Cubes
The red cubes represent your whole numbers.
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Fraction Squares
The fraction squares represent your fractions.
Solve for x without using a calculator.
x + ½ = 7/8
x = _____
Chk: _____ = _____
Think- What does “x” have to be equal to in
order for the sum of the addition problem to
be 7/8?
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We will now work through problems 1-10 on
your Hands-On Guided Practice page.
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X + 2/5 = 1
x = _____
Chk: _____ = _____
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4x + 1/6 = 4 1/6
x = ______
Chk: _____ = _____
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With your partner, make up some hands-on
equations yourself.
You will have to test out some different ways!
Be sure to check your equations for
correctness and create a separate answer key
for your equations.