Lab Activity: Pythagorean Puzzles

Solution Slide

Materials

templates for the Solution Slide

paper

scissors

tape

In this activity, you will construct a Solution Slide to solve multistep equations. The steps you use to break down equations into simpler forms can be applied to more complicated problems or data. Follow the steps below to assemble your Solution Slide.

Step 1 Cut out the templates on page 2 marked Front and Back. These template will be used to form you Solution Slide pocket.

Step 2 To make the viewing slots for your Solution Slide pocket, cut out the areas on the Front template indicated by the dotted lines.

Step 3 Tape the Front and Back templates together to complete the Solution Slide pocket.

Step 4 Cut out the blank Equation Slide template and make at least one additional copy so that you can solve equations.

Cut out the Equation Slide for the equation 5x - 8 = 3x + 12, and insert it into the Solution Slide pocket so that the equation is at the top. The larger viewing slots show you both sides of the equation clearly divided. The smaller viewing slots are empty. As you slowly pull the Equation Slide out, the samller viewing slots show you the strategies used to solve the equation. The larger viewing slots show you how each side of the equation is affected. Now slowly pull the Equation Slide out.

1. Explain the steps to solve 5x - 8 = 3x + 12. Then tell what property each step demonstrates.
a.
b.
c.

2. Continue to pull the Equation Slide out. Describe how to check the solution to the equation using your Solution Slide.

Step 1	Cut out the templates on page 2 marked Front and Back. These template will be used to form you Solution Slide pocket.
Step 2	To make the viewing slots for your Solution Slide pocket, cut out the areas on the Front template indicated by the dotted lines.
Step 3	Tape the Front and Back templates together to complete the Solution Slide pocket.
Step 4	Cut out the blank Equation Slide template and make at least one additional copy so that you can solve equations.

1.	Explain the steps to solve 5x - 8 = 3x + 12. Then tell what property each step demonstrates. a. b. c.
2.	Continue to pull the Equation Slide out. Describe how to check the solution to the equation using your Solution Slide.