Finding intersections and solving systems of equations.

Jackson Richards
8th grade math

Common Core Standards:

8.EE.C.8 Analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations.
a. Understand that solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables
correspond to points of intersection of their graphs, because points of intersection
satisfy both equations simultaneously.
b. Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables algebraically, and estimate
solutions by graphing the equations. Solve simple cases by inspection.For example, 3x
+ 2y = 5 and 3x + 2y = 6 have no solution because 3x + 2y cannot simultaneously be
5 and 6.
c. Solve real-world and mathematical problems leading to two linear equations in two
variables. For example, given coordinates for two pairs of points, determine whether
the line through the first pair of points intersects the line through the second pair.

Lesson Summary:
This lesson uses a slide show, QR codes, functions and graphs to guide students to understanding how to
manually determine if the point of intersection of two functions exists and, if true, the value(s) for which the
intersection(s) exist. This lesson will also explain how to solve systems of equations.
Estimated Duration:
I expect this lesson to take approximately two full class periods (appx. 100 minutes divided into two 50 minute
class periods, as well as partially on the day before (15 minutes) and the day after (25 minutes) for a total of
140 minutes.

Commentary: My approach to the lesson will be to begin with a detailed slideshow on each day
demonstrating the different methods on finding the intersections between two functions, and solving for
systems of equations. I anticipate that understanding how functions work as well as understanding the tools
needed to determine the intersections and solve the systems of equations will present a challenge. I intend to
get my students hooked by presenting the material in an understandable way, and utilizing slideshows and QR
codes.

Instructional Procedures: (This will be one of the most detailed sections of this assignment).
Day 1:
Final 15 minutes of class: Pre-Assessment quiz will be handed out for a completion grade.
Day 2:
First 15 minutes: Students will be introduced to the slideshow and lecture discussing functions, graphs, and
intersections. The slideshow will also give examples on how to solve equations, using substitution, to find the
intersections and demonstrate the intersection on a graph.
20 minutes: I will pass out the worksheets containing multiple problems to be solved as well as QR codes to
show the graphs for their specific problems. I will walk around the classroom to answer questions as they arise
and assessing the students work.
15 Minutes: Multiple students will volunteer to show their work on the board for designated problems from the
worksheets.
Day 3:
First 15 minutes: The teacher will continue the slideshow and lecture discussing how to solve systems of
equations with two variables (x+y=7, 2x+4y=18) using two different methods: substitution and elimination.
25 minutes: Students will be given worksheets with multiple equations on them to be solved using the methods
shown above. I will walk around answering questions as they arise and assessing the students work.
10 minutes: Multiple students will volunteer to show their work on the board for designated problems from the
worksheets.
Day 4:
First 25 minutes: Post-Assessment quiz will be passed out to test students understanding of the material.

Pre-Assessment:
One strategy to pre-assess student knowledge will be to give a 10 minute unscored quiz consisting of two
problems at the end of the previous class prior to day 1. This will get them thinking on the topic before the
class the next day, and allow the teacher to assess the students current knowledge. The quiz will consist of one
problem for determining the intersection of between two lines, and one problem using multi-variable equations
to determine an X and Y value that satisfies both equations. The intersection problem will not need to be
graphed.

Scoring Guidelines:
This quiz will be for a completion grade, and the assessment will come from the teacher checking to
see their final answers as well as their work that led to the answer.
Post-Assessment:
Post-Assessment will consist of the worksheets given during the lesson plan, as well as a quiz the following
day that consists of the two problems from the pre-assessment as well as three more problems. This assessment
will require graphing of the problems, unlike the pre-assessment, dictating where the intersections lie for each
problem as well as their work on solving for each problem.
Scoring Guidelines:
This quiz will be for a score and percentage. The teacher will grade based on both the work completed
for each problem as well as the answers given. Each question will be worth 20% of the quiz grade.
Each graph for the applicable problems will count as 5% of the 20% for that specific problem.

Differentiated Instructional Support

Describe how instruction can be differentiated (changed or altered) to meet the needs of gifted or accelerated
students: At the bottom of each worksheet will be a set of QR codes that offer additional, more challenging,
problems to be done for extra credit.
Discuss additional activities you could do to meet the needs of students who might be struggling with the
material: Students who are struggling to understand the problems can be paired up, by teacher choice, with
students who are grasping the material. Students who are help tutor their struggling classmates will be given
the same extra credit the QR codes provide to make up for the lost opportunity.

Extension
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/systems-of-eq-and-ineq/systems-of-eqoverview/e/systems_of_equations
Khan Academy is a popular website that all students can access to better understand mathematical principles
for all ages by using videos that utilizes audio and specific examples. This link will access a video
demonstrating how to solve systems of equations using elimination, with access to other videos relating to
systems of equations easily accessible on the left hand toolbar.

Homework Options and Home Connections

Students will be assigned a few problems out of the current textbook to complete at home. This work will be
for extra practice but will be receive a grade based on completion. I will also recommend that khan academy
be accessed for any student still having difficulty.
Materials and Resources:

For teachers

Smart board, calculator, projector and screen hooked up to computer, worksheets, and
an iPad with a QR code scanner.

For students

Calculator, iPad with a QR code scanner, writing materials.

Key Vocabulary
Function: a relationship or expression involving one or more variables.
System of equations: a collection of two or more equations with a same set of unknowns.
QR Code: a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares, typically used for
storing URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone.

Additional Notes
Solving intersections between two lines and solving for systems of equations for two variables are related due
to the fact that the X and Y values found for the systems of equations are the pair of points corresponding to
the intersection, should those equations in the system be made into a line. For example the example listed
during day 3, x+y=7 and 2x+4y=18 have an x and y value of 5 and 2 respectively. Should the equation be
changed to y=-x+7 and y=(-2/4)*x+(18/4) the lines would intersect at point (5,2). Solving for intersections also
utilizes an important tool for systems of equations, substitution. This is because if we substitute one of the y
values (to get x+7=(-2/4)*x+(18/4) the x value will equal 5 and once substituted into an original problem the
y value will equal 2, therefore once again finding the intersection. This is why I chose to include both types of
problems in this lesson plan.