Virginia SOL 6.PFA.3.b
The Standard
Represent and solve one-step linear equations in one variable, using a variety of concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations (e.g., colored chips, algebra tiles, weights on a balance scale).
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will write and solve one-step linear equations in one variable, including contextual problems that require the solution of a one-step linear equation in one variable.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students represent one-step equations with chips, tiles, or balance drawings. They use an inverse operation on both sides to isolate the variable, then check the value.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students build or draw an accurate model, keep both sides equal, and isolate the variable. They name the solution and verify it by substituting it into the original equation.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may use the wrong inverse operation or change only one side of the equation. They may confuse negative chips with subtraction or treat a coefficient as an added number. Some stop after building the model and do not state or check the solution.
How to Assess It
- Ask: “Draw a balance or algebra tiles for 3x = 18, show how to isolate x, and check your solution.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build x + 5 = 12 with algebra tiles, then remove five unit tiles from both sides to find x.
Show a balance drawing for x − 4 = 9 and ask students to explain why adding four to both sides works.
Run a card sort matching each equation with its tile model, inverse operation, and solution.
Give the prompt, “After spending $7, Mia has $15,” and have students write, model, and solve an equation.
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Printable 6.PFA.3.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 6.PFA.3.d
Confirm solutions to one-step linear equations in one variable using a variety of concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations (e.g., colored chips, alg...
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- 7.PFA.2.b
Represent equivalent algebraic expressions in one variable using concrete manipulatives and pictorial representations (e.g., colored chips, algebra tiles).
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