The Switch Up Slides The Switch-Up
Part 1: Substitution Method
Which is the Better Deal?
CineStream
$10 Monthly Fee
PLUS $2 per movie
y = 2x + 10
UltraWatch
$20 Monthly Fee
PLUS $1 per movie
y = 1x + 20
Step 1: Circle the Math
y = 2x + 10
Since both plans are for the price (y), we circle the parts that tell us the price!
Step 2: The Switch-Up
2x + 10
=
1x + 20
We put both price formulas together. Now we only have x to worry about!
Step 3: Solve for x
2x + 10 = 1x + 20
- 1x - 1x
1x + 10 = 20
- 10 - 10
x = 10
Both plans match at 10 movies.
Final Answer
Plug x = 10 into Equation 1:
y = 2(10) + 10 = $30
Stream Wars Teacher Guide Stream Wars
Teacher Implementation Guide
SPED Resource
Unit Overview
This unit introduces Systems of Equations to students with learning disabilities by stripping away complex algebraic manipulation and focusing on two distinct, visual metaphors: The Switch-Up (Substitution) and The Big Zap (Elimination).
Substitution Focus
Comparing Plan A and Plan B
Setting equations equal (\(y = y\))
Single-step variable isolation
Elimination Focus
Cancelling opposite integers
Stacking like terms vertically
Real-world bundle pricing
Quick Stats
Grade Level
8th - 10th (SPED)
Duration
2 - 3 Sessions
Math Focus
Systems of Equations
Scaffolding for Success
Visual Supports
Every equation is color-coded. Encourage students to use highlighters to match the slide colors (Indigo for Plan A, Purple for Plan B).
Calculator Usage
Focus is on the process of substitution/elimination. Allow calculators for the basic arithmetic steps (\(14 \div 2\)) to reduce cognitive load.
Kinesthetic "Zap"
When teaching elimination, have students physically "cross out" the \(+y\) and \(-y\) with a bold, dark marker to signify they are "zapped."
Verbal Prompting
Use the phrase "Switch them up!" for substitution and "Zap them!" for elimination to provide consistent verbal cues.
Lesson Delivery Steps
1
The Hook: Streaming Prices
Start with the real-world scenario. Ask students which service they use. Explain that we want to know when they are identical in price.
2
Guided Notes (Substitution)
Go through the 'Circle and Switch' process. Model the algebra on the board using the same colors as the slides.
3
Guided Notes (Elimination)
Transition to movie/snack bundles. Emphasize that adding a positive and a negative results in a "Zap" (zero).
4
Peer Check / Independent Work
Students complete the missions. Walk around and check for the "Zap" visual—if they haven't crossed out the \(y\)'s, redirect immediately.
The Switch Up Worksheet The Switch-Up
Guided Notes: Substitution Method
Name:
Date:
Vocabulary
Substitution means to ____________________ one thing with another.
Think: Substituting a player in a basketball game or switching out a soda for water.
Our Scenario: Plan A vs. Plan B
Equation 1: Plan A
y = 2x + 10
Equation 2: Plan B
y = 1x + 20
Step 1: Circle and Match
Since both equations start with y =, they are equal to each other.
2x + 10 = 1x + 20
Step 2: Solve for x
Subtract 1x from both sides:
Subtract 10 from both sides:
Step 3: Find the Total Price (y)
Plug your x back into: y = 2x + 10
Solo Stream Mission
y = 3x + 5
y = 1x + 15
1. Switch it up (Set equal):
2. Solve for x:
3. Solve for y:
Substitution Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Substitution
Name:
1. What does it mean to "Substitute"?
To add something new
To switch one thing for another
To erase everything
2. Solve for x: \(y = 2x\) and \(y = 10\)
Exit Ticket
Substitution
Name:
1. What does it mean to "Substitute"?
To add something new
To switch one thing for another
To erase everything
2. Solve for x: \(y = 2x\) and \(y = 10\)
The Big Zap Slides THE BIG ZAP!
Part 2: Elimination Method
The Movie Night Bundles
Bundle 1
1 Movie + 1 Snack costs $10
x + y = 10
Bundle 2
1 Movie - 1 Snack discount costs $4
x - y = 4
How much is 1 Movie (x) and 1 Snack (y)?
What is "The Zap"?
If we have a +y and a -y, they cancel out!
+y
-y
Total = 0
Step 1: Stack the Bundles
x + y = 10
x - y = 4
Make sure your x's are in a line and your y's are in a line.
Step 2: The Big Zap!
x + y = 10
x - y = 4
2x = 14
The +y and -y are gone!
Step 3: Solve for x
2x = 14
Divide by 2
x = 7
What is x?
1 Movie costs $7
Step 4: Find the Snack Price
Use Equation 1: x + y = 10
7 + y = 10
- 7 - 7
y = 3
Snack Price: $3
Now we know both prices!
Practice Mission
Get ready to zap some variables on your worksheet!
x + y = 20
x - y = 10
2x = 30
The Big Zap Worksheet The Big Zap!
Guided Notes: Elimination Method
Name:
Date:
Vocabulary
Elimination means to ____________________ or get rid of something.
The Movie Night Problem
Equation 1
x + y = 10
Equation 2
x - y = 4
Step 1 & 2: Stack and Zap!
Stack them up. Add the x's. Zap the y's!
x + y = 10
x - y = 4
2x = 14
Step 3: Solve for x
2 movies cost $14. How much is 1 movie?
Step 4: Find the Snack Price (y)
Plug x back into: x + y = 10
Zap Mission #1
x + y = 20
x - y = 10
1. Zap the Y's and Add the X's:
2. Find the final price for x and y:
x =
y =
Mission Clear!
Elimination Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
The Zap
Name:
1. Zap the y's and find x:
x + y = 12
x - y = 4
2x = ____
2. If 2x = 16, what is x?
Exit Ticket
The Zap
Name:
1. Zap the y's and find x:
x + y = 12
x - y = 4
2x = ____
2. If 2x = 16, what is x?
