Virginia SOL 8.PFA.4.g
The Standard
Confirm algebraic solutions to linear equations in one variable.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will write and solve multistep linear equations in one variable, including problems in context that require the solution of a multistep linear equation in one variable.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students check a proposed solution by replacing the variable with its value in the original equation. They simplify both sides and decide whether the resulting statement is true.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students substitute a proposed value into the original equation and simplify each side correctly. They compare the results and clearly state whether the value is a solution.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may check only one side of the equation or substitute into a simplified step instead of the original equation. They may also make sign or order-of-operations errors and mistake those errors for an incorrect solution.
How to Assess It
- Give the exit ticket: “A student says x = 4 solves 3(x - 2) + 5 = 11. Check the claim and show both sides.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs equation cards and solution cards, then have students match them by substituting and comparing both sides.
Ask students to explain in writing why checking a solution in the original equation is stronger than checking a later step.
Play Check It or Reject It using projected equations and proposed solutions, with teams showing substitution work on whiteboards.
Use a phone plan cost equation, solve for the number of months, then substitute the result to confirm the total cost.
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Printable 8.PFA.4.g Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.PFA.4.g, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 8.PFA.4.f
Interpret algebraic solutions in context to linear equations in one variable.
- 8.PFA.5.g
Interpret algebraic solutions in context to linear inequalities in one variable.
- 7.PFA.4.c
Represent solutions to one- or two-step linear inequalities in one variable algebraically and graphically using a number line.
- 7.PFA.3.c
The 7th Grade version of this standard.
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