Balancing Acts: Solving Two-Step Equations & Inequalities
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will solve two-step equations and inequalities, including those with negative coefficients, by applying inverse operations in the correct order and explaining the effect of multiplying or dividing by a negative number on the inequality symbol.
Lesson Overview
Students progress from modeling two-step equations with algebra tile diagrams through solving symbolic two-step equations and inequalities, culminating in formulating and solving real-world inequalities with negative coefficients in event-budget and data-plan contexts.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper
- Dry-erase markers (multiple colors)
- Pencils and scratch paper
- Basic calculator or phone calculator (for checking)
Scaffolded Task Progression
Use rectangles for -tiles (unknown) and small squares for unit tiles. Show the equation on both sides of a balance, then remove tiles to find .
[ Interactive graph / diagram, available in the full lesson ]
Solve:
Unlock the full lesson
See all 7 scaffolded tasks, the full answer key, warm-up, exit slip, and a print-ready version — free to start.
Create a free accountAlready have an account? Sign in
Like this lesson but want to tweak it?
Make an editable copy and adjust the tasks, warm-up, and answer key to fit your class — no need to start from scratch.