8th Grade Math
We finished up our module on Scientific Notation and Exponent Properties and are moving into module 3, Solve Equations with Variables on Each Side. In this module students will draw on their knowledge of solving two-step equations to help them solve equations with variables on each side of the equal sign.
What Students Will Learn in This Module:
Students will write equations with grouping symbols (such as parentheses) on one or both sides of the equation, such as 3(x + 2) + 4 = x – 4( x – 3).
Students will solve equations with grouping symbols using the Distributive Property.
Number of Solutions
Students will determine whether an equation has one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions.
Students will write equations that have one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions.
Important Vocabulary
Coefficient - The numerical term of a factor that contains a variable.
Constant - A term without a variable.
Like Terms - Terms that contain the same variables to the same powers.
Solution - A value that makes an equation true.
Support your child’s understanding of writing equations with variables on each side by demonstrating how they can be used when choosing a cell phone plan. Discuss with your child the various types of cell phone plans and explain that some plans include a phone, and some plans include only service. With your child, investigate the cost of cell phones, the cost of plans that include cell phones, and the cost of plans that include only service. Help your child to algebraically model the costs associated with each type of plan. For example, if a phone costs $600 and a service-only plan costs $50 per month, your child might write c = 50m + 600 and if a plan which includes a phone costs $125 per month, your child might write c = 125m. For each equation, c represents the total cost and m represents the number of months. Have your child write an equation to find the number of months it would take for a person to pay the same amount for either plan. For example, your child might write 50m + 600 = 125m and find that m = 8. Help your child interpret their solution. In the example above, m = 8 indicates that, after 8 months someone would have paid the same amount for each plan.
Algebra
This quarter, we will be starting our next chapter on systems of equations. Students will build off of our unit on linear equations to find the solution to a system. As always, please access my canvas modules for extra practice resources and parent guides! The parent guides are amazing because they align to each lesson, give worked out examples and give extra practice problems with answers. We’ll get through chapters 4 and 5 this quarter and we will have a midterm exam before winter break. Much more info to come about that later.
