Divide or Distribute? Solving Equations Using Multiple Methods By James Van Hook

You have been trained…… You see: 4(x+6) You do: 4(x+6) You get: 4(x)+4(6) = 4x + 24

...and You Use Your Training to Solve! Consider 3(x – 3) = 27 You would distribute then solve! 3(x – 3) = 27 3x – 9 = x = 36 x = 12

Consider This Let’s take the same equation… 3(x – 3) = 27...and divide both sides by the coefficient 3(x – 3) =

This Gives Us…. We now have a one step equation… x – 3 = x = 12 Same Answer! Fewer Steps! Solid Mathematical Reasoning!

6(x + 2) = 18 Using Distribution 6(x + 2) = 18 6x + 12 = x = x = 1 Using Division 6(x + 2) = x + 2 = x = 1

TEKS Used (Algebra I) (4) Foundations for functions. The student understands the importance of the skills required to manipulate symbols in order to solve problems and uses the necessary algebraic skills required to simplify algebraic expressions and solve equations and inequalities in problem situations

TEKS Used (continued) (A) Find specific function values, simplify polynomial expressions, transform and solve equations, and factor as necessary in problem situations (B) Use the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to simplify algebraic expressions