Illustrative Mathematics Grade 7, Unit 6, Lesson 9: Dealing with Negative Numbers

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Illustrative Math
Grade 7

Lesson 9: Dealing with Negative Numbers

Let’s show that doing the same to each side works for negative numbers too.

Illustrative Math Unit 7.6, Lesson 9 (printable worksheets)

Lesson 9 Summary

When we want to find a solution to an equation, sometimes we just think about what value in place of the variable would make the equation true. Sometimes we perform the same operation on each side (for example, subtract the same amount from each side). The balanced hangers helped us to understand that doing the same to each side of an equation keeps the equation true. Since negative numbers are just numbers, then doing the same thing to each side of an equation works for negative numbers as well.
The following diagram explains how to solve equations that have negative numbers or solutions.

Lesson 9.1 Which One Doesn’t Belong: Rational Number Arithmetic

Which equation doesn’t belong?
15 = -5 · -3 4 - -2 = 6 2 + -5 = -3 -3 · -4 = -12

• See Video for Whole Lesson

Lesson 9.2 Old and New Ways to Solve

Solve each equation. Be prepared to explain your reasoning.

1. x + 6 = 4
2. x - -4 = -6
3. 2(x - 1) = -200
4. 2x + -3 = -23

Lesson 9.3 Keeping It True

Here are some equations that all have the same solution.

1. Explain how you know that each equation has the same solution as the previous equation. Pause for discussion before moving to the next question.
2. Keep your work secret from your partner. Start with the equation -5 = x. Do the same thing to each side at least three times to create an equation that has the same solution as the starting equation. Write the equation you ended up with on a slip of paper, and trade equations with your partner.
3. See if you can figure out what steps they used to transform -5 = x into their equation. When you think you know, check with them to see if you are right.

Lesson 9 Practice Problems

1. Solve each equation.
2. Here is an equation 2x + 9 = -15. Write three different equations that have the same solution as 2x + 9 = -15. Show or explain how you found them.
3. Select all the equations that match the diagram.
4. Match each story to an equation.
   A. A stack of nested paper cups is 8 inches tall. The first cup is 4 inches tall and each of the rest of the cups in the stack adds 1/4 inch to the height of the stack.
   B. A baker uses 4 cups of flour. She uses 1/4 cup to flour the counters and the rest to make 8 identical muffins.
   C. Elena has an 8-foot piece of ribbon. She cuts off a piece that is 1/4 of a foot long and cuts the remainder into four pieces of equal length.
   
5. There are 88 seats in a theater. The seating in the theater is split into 4 identical sections. Each section has 14 red seats and some blue seats.
   a. Draw a tape diagram to represent the situation.
   b. What unknown amounts can be found by by using the diagram or reasoning about the situation?

The Open Up Resources math curriculum is free to download from the Open Up Resources website and is also available from Illustrative Mathematics.

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