B5 Mathematics · Term 2 Week 12: Variables and Equations

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B5.2.3.1.1 - Express a given problem as an equation where the unknown is represented by a letter to variable.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify the unknown quantity in a given word problem.
Choose a letter to represent the unknown quantity in a problem.
Translate a word problem into a one-step equation with whole number coefficients.
Use a table (like the plant growth example) to spot patterns and write a mathematical sentence.
Explain in their own words what the variable in an equation stands for.

Sign in with your phone number to read the full note and download the GES plan - free.

Sign in with phone number

Curriculum details

Strand: Algebra (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Variables and Equations (2.3)
Content standard: B5.2.3.1 - Solve problems involving single- variable, one-step equations with whole number coefficients
Indicator: B5.2.3.1.1 - Express a given problem as an equation where the unknown is represented by a letter to variable.
Suggested placement: Term 2, Week 12 (Week 24 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Mathematics Curriculum for Primary Schools (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 92
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

E.g.1. Ask learners solve word problems; e.g.. i. The cost of two pens is twenty ¢15. If one costs ¢5.50, what is the cost the other pen? ii. The product of two numbers is 120. If one of the numbers is 24, what is the other number?
E.g.2. Ask learners to read Ama's problem below, complete the table and solve the problem Days (d) Days 1 2 3 4 5 Height (h) Height 5cm 7cm Ama is tracking the progress of her plant's growth. Today the plant is 5cm tall. The plant grows 2cm a day (i) Write a mathematical sentence that represents the height of the plant after d days; (ii) What will the height of the plant be after 20 days? (iii) How many days will the height take to reach 75cm?

Figure from the b5 mathematics curriculum, printed page 92