Applying

Systems of Linear Equations- Discovery Lesson

Learning Objective(s): Students will be able to determine the best method for solving
systems of equations.
Students will be able to apply systems of equations.

Common Core State Standards:
A.REI.6
Solve systems of linear equation exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on
pairs of linear equations in two variables.

Mathematical Practices:
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
4. Model with mathematics.

Essential Question:
How can we determine the best method to solve a system of equations?

Materials:
Ø Paper with equations for the stations
Ø Warm-up paper

Accommodations:
Ø There will be an alternate version of the worksheet so struggling students will be
able to have a worksheet that best suits their needs.

Overview:
Ø Students will have a warm-up to complete at the beginning of class where they will
practice all the methods they have learned this far. One question will specify to use
substitution, one question will ask to use elimination with either addition or
multiplication.
o Warm up questions:

§ Use substitution to solve:

§ Use elimination to solve:

Ø I will put 5 different equations on pieces of paper up around the classroom. Students
will be split into groups of 4-5 students.
o Each group of students will start out at one of the equations.
o As a group, they will have to decide what method of solving systems of
equations they will use.
o They cannot move on until they have come to a group consensus.
o Each group will solve the system of equations together
Ø The equations are:

o
 o
o

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Ø After all groups have been to every equation and made a decision on what method
would be best to use, each group will present on one of the equations to the class.
Ø The groups will be responsible for presenting what method they chose and why
they think it was the best method.
Ø After the group is done presenting, students in the audience will have a chance to
counter argue the group’s method if they feel their way was more efficient.
o To counter argue, the student will have to come up to the front of the board
and explain and demonstrate why their method was more efficient.
Ø After all groups have presented, I will do a brief review of when it is best to use each
method. I will be sure to emphasize that any method will work, however, some
methods may have more steps than others, depending on the system of equations.
Ø Students will solve different systems of equations in their textbook and will have to
solve them using the best method for that equation. Additionally, students will
practice their skills solving application problems by solving the two application
problems in the textbook.
o Page 367 #5-16