1. HOW can bar diagrams or algebra tiles help you solve an equation?
Expressions and Equations
HOW can bar diagrams or algebra tiles help you solve an equation?
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

2. Mathematical Practices
Expressions and Equations
7.EE.4 Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities.
7.EE.4a Solve word problems leading to equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these forms fluently. Compare an algebraic solution to an arithmetic solution, identifying the sequence of the operations used in each approach.
Mathematical Practices
1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1 Common Core State Standards © Copyright National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

3. Expressions and Equations
In a recent year, 19 of the 50 states had a law banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving a school bus. Determine how many states did not have this law.
The bar diagram represents the total number of states and the number of states that have passed a cell phone law. Fill in the missing information.
Activity 1
Continued 
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

4. Expressions and Equations
In a recent year, 19 of the 50 states had a law banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving a school bus. Determine how many states did not have this law.
Write an equation from the bar diagram. Let x represent the states that do not have a cell phone law for school bus drivers.
19 + x = 50
Activity 1 Continued 
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

5. Use the work backward strategy to solve the equation. Since
Expressions and Equations
In a recent year, 19 of the 50 states had a law banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving a school bus. Determine how many states did not have this law.
Use the work backward strategy to solve the equation. Since
19 + x = 50, x = 50 – 19. So, x =
Check = 50 ✓
So, states did not have a law banning the use of cell phones by bus drivers.
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

6. Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Expressions and Equations
Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Remember a 1-tile and a –1-tile combine to make a zero pair. You can add or subtract zero pairs from either side of an equation without changing its value.
Model the equation.
Activity 2
Continued 
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

7. Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Expressions and Equations
Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Remember a 1-tile and a –1-tile combine to make a zero pair. You can add or subtract zero pairs from either side of an equation without changing its value.
Add three 1-tiles to the left side of the mat and _____________
1-tiles to the right side of the mat to form zero pairs on each side of the mat.
Activity 2 Continued 
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

8. Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Expressions and Equations
Solve x – 3 = –2 using algebra tiles.
Remember a 1-tile and a –1-tile combine to make a zero pair. You can add or subtract zero pairs from either side of an equation without changing its value.
Remove all of the zero pairs from each side. There is _________
1- tile on the right side of the mat.
Therefore, x = Check – 3 = –2 ✓
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1

9. HOW can bar diagrams or algebra tiles help you solve an equation?
Expressions and Equations
HOW can bar diagrams or algebra tiles help you solve an equation?
Course 2, Inquiry Lab before Lesson 6-1