Free Algebra Lesson Plans

This page contains a collection of some of the best free Algebra teacher lesson plans from around the web. Great for use by teachers or home-school parents!


Using Basic Properties to Solve Problems


Algebra Lesson Plan

"The purpose of this unit is to focus on the Commutative and Associative Properties of Addition, Inverse Properties of Addition and Subtraction, Commutative and Associative Properties of Multiplication; Distributive Property of Multiplication over Addition, Zero Property and the Identity Property for Addition, and the Identity Property for Multiplication. In the content section of the unit under each sub-topic will be: explanations about each topic and a set of word problems that illustrates what is meant by each property". This lesson plan includes three separate lesson plans along with objectives, standards, and examples.

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Unit Plan: Algebra Basics    


Algebra Lesson Plan

This unit lesson plans covers Algebra basics from simple algebraic expressions through absolute values and inverses.

  • Lesson 1 - Evaluating algebra expressions
  • Lesson 2 - Writing algebra expressions
  • Lesson 3 - Solving for X
  • Lesson 4 - Order of operations
  • Lesson 5 - Expressions from equations
  • Lesson 6 - Balancing equations to solve variables
  • Lesson 7 - Using equations to solve puzzles
  • Lesson 8 - The equation behind an old trick
  • Lesson 9 - Positives and negatives on a number line
  • Lesson 10 - Absolute values
  • Lesson 11 - Additive inverses
  • Lesson 12 - Multiplying positives and negatives

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Variables and Patterns - The Pool Border Problem    


Algebra Lesson Plan

In this lesson plan, students work in groups to investigate the number of tiles needed for pools of various sizes and write algebraic expressions.  To goal is to recognize patterns and represent situations using algebraic notation and variables.

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Solving Linear Equations Using Manipulatives    


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students use manipulatives to represent visually the steps they take to obtain a solution to an algebraic equation. They develop an understanding of the connections between the solution involving manipulatives and the symbolic solution."

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Teaching Word Problems in Algebra


Algebra Lesson Plan

This is not a lesson plan, but an article that provides strategies and a number of examples for teaching word problems to algebra students. From the page, "This paper is aimed at the solution of the typical Algebra problem. It is a coach reminding us of the steps we should follow regularly. As one gains skill with a technique many steps are squeezed into a few, one forgets the struggle of learning and rushes off to the solution and then the next question. Word problems are not a topic to be taught at one time and then forgotten. Word problems are a theme of the algebra course. They should be taught throughout the year. They motivate manipulative skills. In summary the paper exists because word problems are seen as important but difficult. The paper is directed to algebra".

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Unit Plan: Algebra in Balance


Algebra Lesson Plan

In this unit lesson plan "students use a pan balance to study equality, order of operations, numerical and variable expressions, and other key algebraic concepts.". It consists of the following lesson plans:

  • Lesson 1 - Balancing Shapes - Students will balance shapes to study equality, essential to understanding algebra. Equivalent relationships will be recognized when the pans balance, demonstrating the properties of equality.
  • Lesson 2 - Balancing Algebraic Understanding - Using a balance in the classroom is a first step to algebraic understanding. Use this pan balance (numbers) applet to practice the order of operations in simplifying numerical expressions and to demonstrate the conventions of using algebraic logic in simplifying expressions.
  • Lesson 3 - Algebra in Balance - Students use the Balance Pans - Expressions Tool to explore algebraic expressions. They determine if algebraic expressions are equal. They balance pans to solve a system of equations and use graphing to find the solutions to a system of equations.

Lessons include all necessary overheads and worksheets.

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Unit Plan: Solving Equations


Algebra Lesson Plan

This is an outstanding unit lesson plan on solving equations in Algebra. In this unit, "Students will solve one, two, and multi-step equations using inverse operations, order of operations, and properties of addition and multiplication. Students will also complete function charts and graph equations. Finally, students will use equations to solve word problems". The unit consists of 19 individual lessons. Each contains all worksheets, quizzes, and tests (if applicable).

  • Function Machine - "Students will use function machines to evaluate patterns and observe how functions work."
  • Introduction to Solving Equations - "Students will determine how to solve one-step equations with positive numbers using addition and subtraction."
  • Solving Equations With Addition and Subtraction - "Students will use manipulatives to practice solving one-step equations using addition and subtraction."
  • Equations With Addition and Subtraction - Online! - "Students will put their skills to the test in the computer lab."
  • Using Manipulatives to Solve Equations with Multiplication and Division - "Students will use edible manipulatives to solve one-step equations with multiplication and division."
  • Solving Equations With Multiplication and Division - "Students will practice solving one-step equations with multiplication and division."
  • Writing Equations - "Students will write one-step equations from word problems."
  • One-Step Equations Quiz - "Students will take a quiz to demonstrate their understanding of writing and solving one-step equations."
  • Catching Up on One-Step Equations - "Students will correct their quizzes and take part in a final activity reviewing one-step equations before moving on to two-step equations."
  • Introduction to Two-Step Equations - "Students will begin solving two-step equations using pictures and manipulatives".
  • Solving Multi-Step Equations - "Students will solve equations that require combining terms and using properties of addition and multiplication."
  • Practice with Multi-Step Equations - "Students will use the Internet to practice solving two-step equations."
  • Writing Two-Step Equations - "Students will write two-step equations from word problems."
  • Equations and Word Problems - "Students will solve complex word problems by writing equations."
  • What's the Function? - "Students will use a function machine and observation of patterns to determine functions."
  • Introduction to Graphing Equations - "Students will complete function charts and use those charts to graph equations."
  • Practice Solving Equations - "Students will go outside to practice solving and checking one, two, and multi-step equations."
  • Online Equation Review - "Students will use online resources to review solving equations."
  • Equation Jeopardy - "Students will play jeopardy to review for the test."
  • Equations Test - "Students will demonstrate an understanding of writing, graphing, and solving one, two, and multi-step equations."

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Linear Functions - The Phone Bill Problem


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students will learn how to write an equation of a linear function when given a set of data. They will interpret the meaning of the slope and y-intercept and then use the equation to find other values of x and y."

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Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson will provide students with an introduction to solving equations and inequalities numerically (using a table), graphically, and algebraically."

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Systems of Equations - Supply & Demand


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This activity focuses on having students create and solve a system of linear equations in a real-world setting. By solving the system, students will find the equilibrium point for supply and demand. Students should be familiar with finding linear equations from two points or slope and y-intercept." Includes three worksheets.

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Solving Systems of Equations - Left Hand, Right Hand


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students compare the speed at which they write with their left hand to the speed at which they write with their right hand. The experiment serves as a vehicle to help students develop a conceptual understanding of the three different types of possible solutions to a system of two equations with two unknowns.

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Linear Programming and Profit Lines - Hassan's Pictures


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson helps students learn to find the feasible region in a linear programming problem, to graph a family of profit lines, and to find the optimum point - the point on the feasible region that will produce the greatest profit"

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Add and Subtract Polynomials


Algebra Lesson Plan

This activity would serve as a great introduction to polynomials. Students will write and interpret polynomials to represent number of pieces in an order of 'Intelligum' then "simplify" orders by the addition or subtraction of polynomials.

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Multiplying Polynomials


Algebra Lesson Plan

In this lesson, "Students will learn how to multiply polynomials using the Distributive Properties and the FOIL method. They will also learn how to use polynomial multiplication in real-life settings."

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Function Families - Up, Down, Right, Left


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson requires students to explore quadratic functions by examining the family of functions described by y = a (x - h)2 + k."

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Function Families - Bouncing Ball


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students explore quadratic functions by using a motion detector known as a Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) to examine the heights of the different bounces of a ball. Students will represent each bounce with a quadratic function of the form y = a (x - h)2 + k."

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Finding the Slope of a Line


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson will use a slide presentation to facilitate teaching students how to find the slope of a line when given the graph of the line or two points. Students will interact with the presentation in two ways: first, by taking notes and practicing examples, and second, by linking to a slope activity on the Internet. This lesson may be done in one ninety-minute block or broken up over two fifty-minute periods. This lesson would be incorporated in a unit on graphing linear equations."

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Factoring Fanatic


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This activity is designed to give students practice in "finding" the correct factors to use when attempting to factor a trinomial. The students are provided with a Tic-Tac sheet to help them discover the relationship or pattern between two numbers. Students then use their discovery to fill in a second Tic Tac sheet. At this point students have uncovered the mystery of how to locate the appropriate factors in a given trinomial. They can now factor any trinomial placed in front of them!" This lesson plan contains all necessary worksheets.

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The X Factor - Trinomials and Algebra Tiles


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson will teach students to factor trinomial expressions of the form x2 + bx + c. Students will use algebra tiles to identify the binomial factors and the graphing calculator to verify the result. In addition, students will identify the x-intercepts and y-intercepts of each trinomial function and explore relationships between the trinomial x2 + bx + c and its factored form (x + m)(x + n). "

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Difference of Squares


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This activity uses a series of related arithmetic experiences to prompt students to generalize into more abstract ideas. In particular, students explore arithmetic statements leading to a result that is the factoring pattern for the difference of two squares. A geometric interpretation of the familiar formula is also included."

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Curses and Re-Curses! It's Happening Again


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students learn about basic recursion by exploring patterns in the data they generate from two simple probability-based experiments."

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Exponential Growth - Overrun by Skeeters


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson provides students with an introduction to exponential functions. The class first explores the world population since 1650. Students then conduct a simulation in which a population grows at a random yet predictable rate. Both situations are examples of exponential growth."

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Exponent Rules - Bigger and Smaller


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson will teach students about several of the rules regarding exponents. It uses a situation from Alice in Wonderland in which Alice's height is doubled or reduced by half depending on what she consumes to introduce negative exponents and the rules for dividing powers."

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Be Direct - Oil Spills on Land


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson teaches students about direct variation by allowing them to explore a simulated oil spill using toilet paper tissues (to represent land) and drops of vegetable oil (to simulate a volume of oil)."

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Inverse Variation - Very Varied


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson teaches students about inverse variation by exploring the relationship between the heights of a fixed amount of water poured into cylindrical containers of different sizes as compared to the area of the containers' bases."

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Do I have to Mow the Whole Thing?


Algebra Lesson Plan

"This lesson offers examples of inverse variation. Students collect data and generate graphs before finding specific equations for inverse variation relationships and examining their graphs."

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Modeling, Circular Movement and Transmission Ratios


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students will learn to use mathematical models to represent real life situations. In particular, they will use tables and equations to represent the relationship between the number of revolutions made by a "driver" and a "follower" (two connected gears in a system), and they will explain the significance of the radii of the gears in regard to this relationship."

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Skeeter Populations and Exponential Growth


Algebra Lesson Plan

"In this lesson, students will learn to model situations mathematically. Specifically, students will perform investigations on the growth of populations and use exponential functions to represent that growth."

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