Solving equations can be very abstract and inaccessible for students. The photo below shows a scaffolded handout that introduces students to solving two-step linear equations. The students are introduced to buying a car: down payment and monthly payment. This provides meaning for the variable (x is the monthly payment), for the constant (down payment) and coefficient (12 months – fabricated situation). This approach introduces the concept of having two steps and for which to choose. Take note of the little “PEMDAS” on the left side. I explain that solving involves using PEMDAS in reverse
