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The Guides for Effective Instruction in Mathematics Revised

C2.3 Solve equations that involve whole numbers up to 100 in various contexts, and verify solutions.

Activity 1: Solving an Equation

Present the equation below to students:

6y - 5 = 61

Ask students to solve the equation.

Ask students questions such as:

  • What model or strategy can be used to solve the equation? Explain.
  • What challenge did you have with solving this equation? What did you do to work through this challenge?
  • What is the value of y? 

Have students create and solve their own equations. Invite them to exchange their equations with a partner and solve them by exploring other models or strategies.

Activity 2: Solving Equations in a Problem-Solving Context

Present the following situations to students:

Sylvia and Jacob each have an aquarium full of fish. Sylvia has 45 red fish and 38 yellow striped fish. Jacob has the same number of fish, but only 44 of his fish are red. How many yellow-striped fish does Jacob have? Represent the situation and solve it using a strategy of your choice.

At the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there are 50 dogs. Some female dogs just had new litters of puppies. How many puppies are there if the total number of dogs is now 78? Represent the situation and solve it with a strategy of your choice.

Source: translated and inspired by En avant, les maths!, 5e année, CM, Algèbre, Résoudre des équations comprenant des nombres naturels jusqu'à 100, p. 13-14.