Homeschool Math Blog

Three new books in the Blue Series! These books deal with some pre-algebra level topics. Check out their free samples! Math Mammoth Expressions & Equations This is a worktext covering the order of operations, equations, expressions, and simplifying expressions in several different ways in 6th-7th grade level. The main principles are explained and practiced both with visual models and in abstract form, and the lessons contain varying practice problems that approach the concepts from various angles. We also touch on inequalities and graphing on a very introductory level. In order to make the learning of these concepts easier, the expressions and equations in this book do not involve negative numbers (as they typically do when studied in pre-algebra and algebra). Sample pages (PDF) Contents Expressions Writing and simplifying expressions 2: area The distributive property More equations Math Mammoth Rational Numbers In Math Mammoth Rational Numbers w...

There is a new worksheet generator at HomeschoolMath.net: Free equation worksheets You can make customizable worksheets for linear equations (first-degree equations) for pre-algebra and algebra 1 courses (grades 6-9). You can choose from SEVEN basic types of equations, including one-step equations, variable on both sides, or having to use the distributive property. Please use the quick links below to generate some common types of equation worksheets. One-step equations, whole numbers, with no negative numbers involved One-step equations, whole numbers, the root may be a negative number One-step equations; involves negative integers Two-step equations Variable on both sides and includes parenthesis Challenges; includes rational expressions, such as (x - 5)/6, within the equations I don't claim it is perfect... though I hope I got it working right. Let me know if you see something you'd like changed, and I can try work it in if it is not too big of a chan...

I just found this via Math Teachers at Play ...   Carolin's Notation for Solving Equations Carolin is a student from Germany. I just wanted to note that that is exactly how I was taught (in Finland) to note what is done to each side of the equation, and I really like the notation. I don't know if it's used in all Europe... Basically, you note in "the right side margin" what you're going to do to both sides of the equation in your next step. The "margin" is made by writing a vertical line to the far right of your actual equation solving process. 6x - 5 = 2x | -2x 4x - 5 = 0 | +5 4x = 5 | ÷4 x = 5/4 I just wanted to pass this on in case some of you who are teaching how to solve equations find it useful with students.

Today I have a "goodie" for you all: a free download of some pan balance (or scales) problems where children solve for the unknown: Just right click on the link and "save" it to your own computer: Balance Problems (a PDF). This lesson is also included in my book Math Mammoth Multiplication 2 and in Math Mammoth Grade 4 Complete Worktext (A part). The problems look kind of like this: These can help children avoid the common misconception that equality or the equal sign "=' is an an operation. It is not; it is a relationship. You see: many students view "=" as "find the answer operator", so that "3 + 4 = ?" means "Find what 3 + 4 is," and "3 + 4 = 7" means that when you add 3 and 4, you get 7. To students with this operator-view of equality, a sentence like "11 = 4 + 7" or "9 + 5 = 2 × 7;" makes no sense. You might also find these resources useful: Balance word problems from ...

Back last spring I promised I'd write something about this tool, so here goes. Equation Wizard is a software, a tool, that solves first, second, third, and fourth degree equations, simplifies expressions, and calculates values of complex expressions. I had my assistant use it when checking and making answers to my Algebra 1 worksheets . Based on our experience, the tool works really well and was useful, for example with rational expressions, or checking answers to equations. The two features I was missing were: 1) The ability to solve (even simple) systems of equations. There's quite a bit of work when solving a bunch of these by hand! 2) The ability to give exact roots (in our case to second-degree equations). It only gave them as decimals. See screenshots and more here: Equation Wizard You can even get this software for free, with something called "TrialPay". TrialPay allows you to purchase products by trying something else. Sign up with any one of our preselected p...

I was getting ready to face the 'challenge' of a kitchen counter filled with dirty dishes, when I started thinking about the task ahead and how it compares to problem solving in math. Then I found a funny little comparison between washing dishes and solving a system of linear equations. You see, when you tackle that counter, you first need to organize things and move dishes around so you can see your kitchen sink again. Just like if you have, say for example, these equations: 2x - 4y + 3x = 2z - 4/5x + 67y 4y - 0.3x - 0.98x + 34z = 5z + 90x - 0.2y z - 2/3z + 3y -0.3x = 7y - 5/6z + 90x - 45x Just looks messy and almost discouraging! x's and y's and z's all over the place! But then you start moving things around (moving x's, y's, and z's all to the left side), and making piles of plates, putting pots in one corner, containers in another pile (combining x's, y's, and z's), making the other side of the counter empty (zero) - and voila - it lo...