Recognize Linear Relationships and Solve Equations with Technology Using an Excel Spreadsheet to Solve Equations iLearn Grade 7 Math Session 6 of 8
Focusing Questions How can a spreadsheet be used effectively to solve equations using guess-check-and-improve?
Instruction
Framing The Session “Guess-check-and-improve is an effective strategy to solve simple equations. It becomes more tedious to use this strategy as equations become more complicated. The process can become easier when a spreadsheet is used. We will learn to use a spread sheet to solve complex equations in an effective manner.”
Teaching You have learned in session 3 how to set up an Excel chart. Now we are going to set up a spreadsheet to solve the following equation: 3n + 5 = 5n “How can the spreadsheet be used to find the value of n?”
Guided Practice Guide participants through the process of setting up the spreadsheet: “Set up the spreadsheet, entering headings and formulas in the top two rows of the first four columns of the spreadsheet. “ ABCD 1Test Variable n Left Side =(3n+5)/2 Right Side =(5n+3)/3 Difference 2 0=(3*A2+5)/2=(5*A2+3)/3=B2-C2 3 1=(3*A3+5)/2=(5*A3+3)/3=B3-C3
Work Time
Getting Started Begin guessing by entering a value for n in cell A3. What happens when n = 0? When n = 1? Now we will manipulate a balance sketch in partnerships.
Work Time Work with a partner to solve for n. How do you know when you have found the solution? Examine your test variables. What strategies did you use to improve upon each guess?
Mid-workshop Teaching Now we will look at another equation: 4n + 1 = 3n + 8 2
Mid-Workshop Teaching Set up a new spreadsheet to test the equation.
Mid-Workshop Teaching Suppose I would like to test a range of values for n, such as 0 to 20. How can this be done without entering each value of n individually?
Mid-Workshop Teaching How can I represent consecutive numbers algebraically? Create a formula for cell A3.
Work Time Practice the “Fill Down” command to copy formulas. Copy the formula that is in cell B2. Paste it into rows 3 to 21. Continue to complete the spreadsheet and determine the value of n.
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What is the solution for the value of n? How do you know? Share
How can the use of a spreadsheet develop a better understanding of equation solving? What role does estimation play in equation solving? Share
How does this work address how a spreadsheet can be used effectively to solve equations using guess-check-and-improve? Answers
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