Solving systems of equations underpins much of advanced algebra, especially linear algebra. Developing an intuition for the kinds and descriptions of solutions is key for success in those later courses. This intuition is exactly what...

Get hands on with solving systems of equations graphically. A solid lesson plan uses guided practice to show how to solve systems of linear equations. It allows time for sharing ideas and provides a printable matching activity...

Hop your way through a mathematical equation with your first grade class as they learn the idea of moving up and down the number line. Adding and subtracting like little frogs is an engaging and clever way to teach/reinforce this concept.

Learners demonstrate their knowledge pictorially, concretely, and abstractly in this unit meant to last three hours over three days. Using hands-on activities, manipulatives,  real-world applications, and problem...

There are many equations Algebra I students are not ready to solve. Graphing to solve gives them a strategy to use when they are unsure of an algebraic approach to solve the problem. The lesson exposes learners to a wide variety of...

A second attack at figuring out the number of leaves on a tree, this activity makes both an excellent follow-up to version 1 and a stand-alone activity. Learners practice setting parameters and deciding acceptable estimate precision, and...

You'd feel bad if someone called you by the wrong name — and equations are no different. Young mathematicians learn the vocabulary associated with equations and expressions identifying these components in sample equations.

Investigate the world of unknown quantities with a creative set of five lessons that provides problem situations for varying grade levels. Each problem presents a scenario of fruit with different weights and a balance scale. Using the...

Provide students with the skill for how to examine algebraic and graphical approaches to solving radical equations. Learners solve various radical equations involving square root and cube root expressions. They first solve using...

Introduce young mathematicians to the process of dividing fractions with a hands-on math lesson. Using the help of fraction strips and other visual models, children work through a series of example problems as they...

Who knew quilting would be so mathematical? Introduce linear equations and graphing while working with the lines of pre-designed quilts. Use the parts of the design to calculate the slope of the linear segments. The project...

Explore the definitions of algebraic properties through a hands-on activity. Individuals cut and paste examples and match them to the correct properties. After examining the provided examples, pupils create examples of their own.

Pupils explore the many representations of linear functions by completing a matching activity to connect the multiple representations of a function. They then reinforce the connection as individuals create the different representations...

You can't build a fire with these logs! Filled with hands-on investigations, a complete logarithmic unit offers both instruction and practice. Learners first build an understanding of the new function, then explore properties before...

Here is a fun project. Sammy observes a chipmunk and a squirrel to see how many holes each needs in order to stash the same number of acorns.  Scholars could find the answer algebraically or create a table to analyze the...

Hands-on investigation of Riemann sums becomes possible without intensive arithmetic gymnastics with this interactive lesson plan. Learners manipulate online graphing tools to develop and test theories about right, left, and...

Log some practice with logarithms. A PowerPoint presentation provides a tutorial on the change of base formula involving natural logarithms and solving exponential equations with logarithms in the fourth installment of a seven-part...

This assessment pair goes way beyond simple graphing, factoring and solving polynomial equations, really forcing learners to investigate the math ideas behind the calculations. Short and to-the-point questions build on one another,...

You don't want to flush your money down the drain! Have your classes complete a financial comparison between two different types of toilets. They use linear modeling to determine the most cost-effective model.

Time to study the most sensible function — rational functions! The seven-lesson unit develops the concept of a rational function through a connection to rational numbers and fractions. Scholars graph functions, solve equations, and...

Consider the relationship between side length and area as an input-output function. Scholars create input-output tables for the area of squares to determine an equation in the first installment of a three-part unit. Ditto for the area of...

Combine math, creative writing, and leprechauns in a fun St. Patrick's Day activity! Using a bag of gold coins and marshmallows, kids write a math story about a leprechaun that includes a multi-step equation to solve.

How do you solve for an unknown angle? In this sixth installment of a 36-part series, young mathematicians use concepts learned in middle school geometry to set up and solve linear equations to find angle measures.

Through a variety of hands-on activities and physical scenarios, this far-reaching unit leads learners through an exceptionally thorough exploration of circles and parabolas as conic sections. Geometric construction techniques are used...