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Co-Taught Pre-Algebra Lesson

When Equations Get Weird: Special Case Equations

Shared by A STEM Educator★ Featured Teacher · rated 90+ in our quality review

8th geadeyBTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7a, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.C.7b50 min
Learning Objective

Students will identify and solve special case equations, recognizing when an equation yields no solution or infinitely many solutions by analyzing the resulting statement after simplification.

Lesson Overview

Students discover through collaborative investigation that some equations have infinitely many solutions (identities) and some have no solution, building from simple one-step equations to complex multi-step cases with variables on both sides.

Materials

  • Vertical whiteboards (one per group)
  • Dry-erase markers (multiple colors per group)
  • Individual whiteboards
  • Algebra tiles (optional for visual support)
  • Printed Four-Quadrant consolidation note sheet

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1
Solve for :

How many solutions does this equation have? How do you know?
2Task 2
Solve for :

How many solutions does this equation have? How do you know?

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