As we watch this video today, we are going to focus on creating a math problem out of a story. Many of you have already seen different types of word problems, but today we will be setting up two separate equations. 

Let’s review what different words mean in terms of math symbols

Is -> =

Times -> x

Twice -> 2(a)

Greater than -> +

Less than -> -

Quotient -> division

Product -> x

Sum and difference

Etc. 

In the cases we will look at today, we will be focusing on money. Who likes money? Yea! We all do! With money problems, you will have two equations, but one will focus on the NUMBER of certain coins and the other will focus on the VALUE of the coins. 

To help us solve these problems and set them up right, we are going to use the KNWS sorting approach. This approach helps us categorize all of the information in the word problem, which in turn helps us set up our equations correct. 

In the first column you will put down what you KNOW that is relevant to solving the problem.

In the second column, you will write down what information is NOT important.

In the third column, write down what the question is REALLY asking you to find.

In the last column, write down whether we will use substitution or elimination to solve the problem. 

Let’s look at the video and see if we can figure out the Troll’s Tolls. 

Have students write down the problem and read it on their own. 

Alright, let’s look at the problem. Go ahead and write it down and read it through a couple times.

Students will take notes using the graphic organizer KNWS to figure out what information is correct. They will then build the two equations needed to set up the problem along with the video. 

During the video I want you to take notes using the handout I gave you. Sort the information into the different categories. Work through the problem as they go through it in the video.  

Students will refine their notes and will be given a copy of the website to go back and look at it for future reference.      

Go ahead and review your notes, compare them with your neighbor and make sure to fill in things you missed.                                       

have a student read the first line of the problem 

Alright, where would we put the information in this part of the problem in our chart? (Continue through the rest of the problem)

What was the most important part of setting up this problem? There’s no wrong answer. 
 I am giving y’all a worksheet with a few problems about money. I want you to work in groups of 2 to 3 to complete it before class is over. Use the problem we just did as a reference to help you with the worksheet. Remember to create your own KWNS organization on the side BEFORE starting to do the problem. 

Discuss with students for 5 minutes different areas in which we could find similar problems in everyday life

-        Shopping is a big one

-        Have students give their own examples. 

Where do y’all think we can find this kind of a problem in real life?

Do y’all think that this type of algebra is applicable to being an adult?

Who can think of a way they might have already had to use this type of math?