Solving equations using inverse operations

A complete lesson on solving one step equations using inverse operations. Does include some decimals, as I wanted to give a more complete example set and make it hard for pupils to just use trial and error to find solutions. As such, I would let pupils use calculators.

Activities included:

Starter:
A short task where pupils match up simple one step ‘flll the blank’ statements, flow charts and equations. Then a prompt for them to discuss the solutions to these equations. I would expect them to at least know that to solve means finding numbers that make the equation true, and even if they have no prior knowledge of solving methods, they could verify that a given number was a solution to an equation. See my other resources for a lesson on introducing equations.

Main:

• Some diagnostic questions to be used as mini whiteboard questions, where pupils turn one step equations into flow charts.
• Examples and a set of questions on using inverse operations to reverse a flowchart and solve its corresponding equation.
• A more open ended task of pupils creating their own questions, plus an extension task of creating equations with the largest possible answer, given certain criteria.

Plenary:
A prompt to discuss an example of an equation that can’t be solved using inverse operations.

Printable worksheets and answers included.

Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!