Lesson Plan
Teaching Group Year 9 Autumn Term
Equations, formulae & identities Lesson 1
Resources
VTB worksheets, excel resources
Aspects of National Curriculum Frame Work to be covered.
Distinguish the different roles played by letter symbols in equations,
identities, formulae and functions.
Lesson context/focus:
Focus is on understanding the meanings of these words and examples of
them.
Key words : equation, identity, formula, function
Misconceptions
Children must be aware of the meaning of each of these words which can
cause cinfusion.
Learning Objectives:
To be able to distinguish between the different roles played by
identities, equations, formulae, and functions. This includes being able to
differentiate between them and realise what the question is asking.
Structure of lesson
Starter : Start with a group discussion about what each of the words
functions, equations, formula, identity mean. List some of the suggestions
on the board to see if the class themselves can pick out the
characteristics of each. (5 – 10mins).
Using these suggestions ask if they can identify which word equates with
which letter symbol.
4x + 3 = 47  equation
V = IR  formula
Y = 3x – 4 Function
4(a + 1) = 4a + 4 Identity
Why? What characteristics make each of these ?
Equation will have an ‘=’ sign since x is a particular value which can satisfy
this sum. There is only 1 answer.
Formulae have variable factors that can alter but they are related. E.g
when you know 2 of the variables in the above example you can always
work out the third. All of the variables can change which in turn affects
the other values.
Function : In the above example there are 2 unknowns and for any chosen
value of x we can work out the related value of y.
Identity is when the expression on each side of the equation can take the
same value. In our example whatever the value of ‘ a ‘ it will produce the
same answer on both sides of the equation. (10 mins)
Main : Worksheet Ma34C004 allows the students to create a variety of
these expressions. (30 mins)
Plenary : Ask the children to take it in turns to give an example of an
identity, formula, equation and function. Could go around the class asking
the pupils to come to the board and write one and then the other pupils
can explain what it is and why. (10mins)
Homework : Worksheet Ma35D003. Qu 1 and 2 which allows the pupils to
think about what the questions are asking and also to interpret the
symbols and algebra.