Mississippi Math FA.A.6

MathGrades 9–12Algebra (A) Equations and Inequalities

The Standard

Given an equation, solve for a specified variable of degree one (i.e., isolate a variable). (6.EE.7, 7.EE.4)

2025 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students rearrange equations to get a named variable alone, even when other letters stay in the answer. They use inverse operations on both sides and keep signs and coefficients straight.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given P=2l+2w, a student solves for w as w=(P-2l)/2. They can substitute that expression back into the original equation to check it.
Common Misconceptions: Students may divide only one term of P-2l by 2 or change a sign when subtracting 2l. Some think they need numbers for every letter before they can solve.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Solve y=mx+b for x. Show each step, then substitute your answer for x back into the equation.

Lesson moves

Cut a paper rectangle, label its length and width, measure its perimeter, then rearrange P=2l+2w to find the width.
Ask students to explain in writing why they subtract 2l before dividing by 2 when solving P=2l+2w for w.
Put A=bh, C=2πr, and y=mx+b on cards; partners draw a target variable, solve for it, and check each other's steps.
Show a phone bill modeled by B=15+0.10m; have students isolate m before finding the minutes used on a $27 bill.

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