1. Bell Ringer – solve each for x.
7) 3x + 5 = 10x -9

2. Steps to Solving an Equation
1) Simplify each side (expression) of equation separately. (distribute, combine like terms)
2) Remove fractions if desired (multiply everything on both sides by the Least Common Multiple – common denominator)
3) Move variable term to one side (add or subtract)
4) Eliminate constant (add or subtract)
5) Eliminate coefficient (divide or mult. by recip.)

3. Examples: Solve each for x
1) 10(x-4) = 4(x+4) + 4x
2) ½ x + ⅓x = 10

4. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1)

5. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side

6. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute

7. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side

8. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side -15 = 3x + 6 subtracted 3x

9. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side -15 = 3x + 6 subtracted 3x eliminate constant -21 = 3x

10. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side -15 = 3x + 6 subtracted 3x eliminate constant -21 = 3x subtracted 6

11. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side -15 = 3x + 6 subtracted 3x eliminate constant -21 = 3x subtracted eliminate coefficient

12. Think Aloud
Explain out loud what to do, how and why at each step of the process. 3(x – 5) = 6 (x + 1) Simplify each side 3x -15 = 6x + 6 Distribute -3x -3x Move variables to 1 side -15 = 3x + 6 subtracted 3x eliminate constant -21 = 3x subtracted eliminate coefficient -7 = x divided by 3

13. Student think aloud # 1
5w + 2 = 2w + 5

14. Student think aloud #2
-4(x + 2) = 3( x – 4)

15. Process Analysis A written think aloud in paragraph form.
Solve problem on top of paper.
After EACH step, write a sentence explaining WHAT you did, HOW and WHY.
12(x + 3) = 2(x + 5) – 3x