Lesson plan: Turning word problems into equations

Note: The main emphasis of this lesson is setting up equations from word problems. The students are expected to be able to solve an equation once it is written down. The following lessons which have been taught previously have shown the students how to solve an equation once it has been written:
  1. (5 min) Mental Math
    1. How many ways can I reorder the letters in the word "CARD"? [24]
    2. What is one third of one third of one half? [1/18]
    3. Multiply 2/5 by 1/2 and reduce [2/10 or 1/5]
    4. Start with 18, add 18, then divide by 6 [6]
    5. An isosceles triangle has one angle of 80 degrees. What are each of the other 2 angles? [50 degrees]

  2. (15 min) Hand out the "Turning word problems into equations" handout and follow the discussion there. Wait until all students have solved the 3 problems in the first page of the handout before turning the handout over to see the correct equations and the problem solutions. Help any students that missed the equations or the solutions.
  3. (20 min) Do the in-class exercise.
  4. Hand out homework when students complete the in-class exercise