Move from the balance scale to procedural fluency with multi-step and literal equations.
Common CoreA-REI.B.3A-CED.A.4
6 lessons21 short videos5 key concepts, out loud
2.1
One- and Two-Step Equations Review
Isolate a variable using inverse operations
A-REI.B.3
Key idea
To solve an equation, apply the same inverse operation to both sides to isolate the variable.
Review how to solve simple equations by undoing operations to isolate the variable.
Key concept · Lesson 2.1
Undo from the outside in
Listen0:00 / 0:19
Transcript. Solve an equation by undoing the operations around the variable from the outside in. Whatever operation you perform on one side, perform on the other side too. For two w plus five, subtract five before dividing by two.
2.2
Multi-Step Equations: Variables on Both Sides
Get all your variables on one side before you solve
A-REI.B.3
Key idea
To solve equations with variables on both sides, use inverse operations to group all variable terms on one side and all constants on the other.
Learn how to collect all variable terms on one side of an equation and numbers on the other to solve for the unknown.
Key concept · Lesson 2.2
Collect variables on one side
Listen0:00 / 0:19
Transcript. When variables appear on both sides, move one variable term so they collect together. Read the sign attached to the term before choosing the inverse operation. Adding two y cancels negative two y; subtracting it would make the term more negative.
2.3
No Solution vs. Infinite Solutions
Recognize equations with no answer or infinitely many answers
A-REI.B.3
Key idea
When variables cancel out, a false statement (like 3 = 5) means no solution, while a true statement (like 5 = 5) means infinitely many solutions.
Learn to identify linear equations that have no possible solution or are true for every number.
Key concept · Lesson 2.3
Read what remains
Listen0:00 / 0:18
Transcript. If solving leaves x equals zero, zero is one ordinary solution. A special case happens only when every variable cancels. A true statement means every value works, while a false statement means no value works.
2.4
Clearing Denominators (LCM Method)
Get rid of fractions to make equations easier to solve
A-REI.B.3
Key idea
To clear fractions from an equation, multiply every single term on both sides by the least common denominator (LCD).
Learn how to eliminate fractions from equations by multiplying every term by the least common multiple of the denominators.
Key concept · Lesson 2.4
Clear every denominator
Listen0:00 / 0:20
Transcript. Find the least common denominator, then multiply every term on both sides by it. Include plain whole-number terms too. Cancel each denominator before multiplying what remains. The fractions should disappear, leaving a simpler equation to solve.
2.5
Literal Equations (Solving for a Variable)
Rearrange a formula to isolate any letter
A-CED.A.4
Key idea
To solve a literal equation, treat all other variables as constants and use inverse operations to isolate the target variable.
Learn how to rearrange formulas by using inverse operations to isolate a specific variable.
Key concept · Lesson 2.5
Isolate the target letter
Listen0:00 / 0:17
Transcript. A literal equation is solved just like one containing numbers. Choose the target letter and treat every other letter as a known value. Undo addition or subtraction first, then multiplication or division, until the target stands alone.
2.6
Review & Assessment
Multi-step and literal equations
Review, practice, quiz and test
Key idea
Review multi-step and literal equations with targeted practice, a practice test, and a chapter test.
This is one chapter of the climb.
Algebra 1 spans 16 chapters, every lesson taught on video with a key concept you can hear, and Vector on hand to answer questions out loud.
