Real World Systems of Linear Equations

This guide provides a program overview, background knowledge needed for understanding, vocabulary, discussion questions and activities, tips for using a calculator, as well as print and Internet resources to supplement the teaching of targeted algebra concepts.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Before studying the content discussed in the video, students should already be able to:
Identify the parts of the Cartesian coordinate system.

  • Plot points in the coordinate plane.
  • Perform calculations with integers.
  • Substitute values into an algebraic equation.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Discuss with students the various ways to write a linear equation: point slope form, slope-intercept form, and standard form.Write several linear equations on the board and have students rewrite the equations in the various linear equation forms, comparing and contrasting the different forms and indicating when it would be advantageous to use each form.
Slope refers to the steepness of a line or object. Have students investigate the slopes of various objects, like a flight of stairs, a handicapped access ramp or even a mountain, by measuring the rise and the run and calculating the slope.

References

Contributors: