Step 7 Objective

Construct and solve linear equations with integer coefficients (with and without brackets, with negative signs anywhere in the equation, and with a positive or negative solution) using an appropriate method.


What if pupils find this a barrier?

happy learners

Refer to Step 6.

Choose some equations that are typically causing problems. Ask pupils to 'read' the information given to them in the equation. Use dialogue to expose the nature of the misconception.

Provide a range of equations for pupils to classify and solve in pairs.

This kind of activity can usefully be followed up with approaches like annotate written solutions from TMM from L5 - Acrobat pdf document (32Kb).

A useful resource is the Learning from mistakes, misunderstandings and misconceptions in mathematics video.