Mission Satisfaction Slides
x + 5 = 12
10 - x = 4
3x = 15
x / 2 = 8
x + 9 = 20
x - 3 = 11
5x = 45
x = 7?
Mission Satisfaction
Case File: The One-Step Equations
The Mission
Your objective is to determine which value of x makes an equation TRUE.
What is a solution?
A solution is the value that makes the left side of the equation equal to the right side.
Example
x + 7 = 15
If x = 8...
8 + 7 = 15 ✓ TRUE
The Interrogation
Test these three values. Only one is the "True Agent" for this equation:
x - 9 = 4
Value A
x = 5
5 - 9 = -4 (False)
Value B
x = 13
13 - 9 = 4 (True!)
Value C
x = 14
14 - 9 = 5 (False)
Multiplication Ops
When numbers and variables are "glued" together, they are multiplying.
4x = 24
Check the intel:
x = 4 4(4) = 16 ✗
x = 6 4(6) = 24 ✓
x = 8 4(8) = 32 ✗
Division Deployment
Variables can be hidden in fractions. Remember: a fraction bar means division.
\[ \frac{x}{5} = 4 \]
Think: "What divided by 5 equals 4?"
1
Is it x = 9? (9 ÷ 5 ≠ 4)
2
Is it x = 20? (20 ÷ 5 = 4)
3
Is it x = 100? (100 ÷ 5 ≠ 4)
Target Lock: Briefing
1. Roll Sum
Roll 4 dice. Find the matching equation #5-24. Roll a 4? Choose any!
2. Solve x
Solve for x. Verify with your partner before moving.
3. Claim Grid
Mark your answer on the grid. First group to connect 4 wins!
DEPLOYING MISSION FILES TO SECTOR 4...
Target Lock Activity
Target Lock
Mission: Satisfaction // One-Step Equations
Agent:
Partner:
Mission Orders
-
Roll 4 dice and find the equation that matches your sum. If you have already solved for your sum, roll again. If you roll a total of 4, choose any equation!
-
Solve for x and verify with your partner.
-
Mark the grid square that matches the answer you got for x. First group to mark 4 in a row wins!
Intel Reports (#5-24)
5 \( x + 12 = 20 \)
6 \( x - 5 = 11 \)
7 \( 3x = 18 \)
8 \( \frac{x}{4} = 3 \)
9 \( x + 15 = 40 \)
10 \( x - 22 = 1 \)
11 \( 9x = 81 \)
12 \( \frac{x}{2} = 15 \)
13 \( x + 8 = 32 \)
14 \( x - 14 = 6 \)
15 \( 5x = 100 \)
16 \( \frac{x}{10} = 7 \)
17 \( x + 45 = 50 \)
18 \( x - 18 = 18 \)
19 \( 2x = 28 \)
20 \( \frac{x}{5} = 5 \)
21 \( x + 1.5 = 5.5 \)
22 \( x - 100 = 50 \)
23 \( 11x = 77 \)
24 \( \frac{x}{3} = 13 \)
Target Grid (20 Sectors)
70
20
9
150
14
30
5
25
36
8
24
12
7
23
4
39
16
20
6
25
Classification: Top Secret // Math Operations
System Ver: 2.2.8 // Layout and Row-Major Refinement
Agent Briefing Teacher Guide
Agent Briefing
Teacher Guide // Mission: Satisfaction // One-Step Equations
Lesson Overview
This lesson focuses on identifying which value satisfies a one-step equation. Rather than teaching formal algebraic balancing immediately, the focus is on substitution and deduction. Students act as "Agents" who must verify if a code (the value of \(x\)) is the correct match for a secure system (the equation).
Learning Target
I can identify the value of a variable that makes a one-step equation true by testing different solutions.
Untimed Mission
The goal is accuracy and strategy, not speed. Allow students to work at their own pace to build confidence in substitution.
Target Lock Instructions
01
Setup
Provide each pair with 4 six-sided dice and the Target Lock Activity sheet. One student is "Agent X" and the other is "Agent O".
02
Dice & Equations
Agents roll 4 dice and sum them (min 4, max 24). They solve the equation matching that number. Rolling a 4 is a "Wildcard"—the agent can choose any available equation. If they roll a sum they've already solved, they must roll again.
03
Victory Condition
Agents mark the answer on the grid after partner verification. The first group to mark 4 squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) wins the field operation.
Intel Report: Answer Key
#05 \( x + 12 = 20 \) x = 8
#15 \( 5x = 100 \) x = 20
#06 \( x - 5 = 11 \) x = 16
#16 \( \frac{x}{10} = 7 \) x = 70
#07 \( 3x = 18 \) x = 6
#17 \( x + 45 = 50 \) x = 5
#08 \( \frac{x}{4} = 3 \) x = 12
#18 \( x - 18 = 18 \) x = 36
#09 \( x + 15 = 40 \) x = 25
#19 \( 2x = 28 \) x = 14
#10 \( x - 22 = 1 \) x = 23
#20 \( \frac{x}{5} = 5 \) x = 25
#11 \( 9x = 81 \) x = 9
#21 \( x + 1.5 = 5.5 \) x = 4
#12 \( \frac{x}{2} = 15 \) x = 30
#22 \( x - 100 = 50 \) x = 150
#13 \( x + 8 = 32 \) x = 24
#23 \( 11x = 77 \) x = 7
#14 \( x - 14 = 6 \) x = 20
#24 \( \frac{x}{3} = 13 \) x = 39
Differentiation Strategy
Scaffolding: Provide a 100-chart or a multiplication table to help students with mental math during the substitution process.
Extension: Challenge advanced students to create their own 4x4 grid and equation set using two-step equations or negative numbers.
