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Lesson Note on Equations Involving Fractions, Word Problems and Simplifying Brackets for JSS 3 (JSS3)

This lesson note on equations involving fractions for JSS 3 covers solving fractional equations, word problems and simplifying brackets with examples.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedOct 28, 2025Reading5 minComments0

Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Factorization of Algebraic Expressions and Word Problems
Topic: Equations Involving Fractions
Subject Matter: Solving simple equations involving fractions, Word problems leading to simple equations involving fractions, Simplifying expressions involving brackets


Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain:
    (a) Solve simple linear equations involving fractions.
    (b) Translate and solve word problems leading to simple equations with fractions.
  • Affective Domain:
    (a) Show interest and confidence in solving equations involving fractions.
  • Psychomotor Domain:
    (a) Demonstrate step-by-step solutions to equations involving fractions on the board.
  • Social Domain:
    (a) Work cooperatively with classmates to discuss and solve fractional equation problems.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
  • Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
  • Wikipedia – Fraction
  • Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Fraction charts and equation cards
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Flash cards showing examples of equations
  • Mathematical set and ruler
  • Step-by-step solution charts

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to solve equations that contain fractions and apply them in real-life word problems, thereby improving logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils already know how to simplify fractions, find the lowest common denominator (LCD), and solve basic linear equations from previous lessons.


Lesson Content/Board Summary

Equations Involving Fractions

An equation involving fractions is one in which one or more of the terms contain fractional expressions. The goal is to find the value of the unknown variable that makes the equation true.

The following are steps to solve equations involving fractions:

  1. Identify the denominators in the equation.
  2. Find the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions.
  3. Multiply every term of the equation by the LCD to eliminate the denominators.
  4. Simplify the resulting equation.
  5. Solve for the unknown variable.
  6. Check your solution by substituting the value back into the original equation.

Example 1:
[
frac{x}{2} + 3 = 5
]
Multiply through by 2 (LCD):
(x + 6 = 10)
Subtract 6 from both sides:
(x = 4)

Example 2:
[
frac{3}{4}x – 2 = 1
]
Multiply through by 4 (LCD):
(3x – 8 = 4)
Add 8 to both sides:
(3x = 12)
Divide both sides by 3:
(x = 4)

Word Problems Leading to Simple Equations Involving Fractions

Word problems involving fractions are real-life situations expressed mathematically using fractional relationships. The unknown values can be found by forming and solving equations.

Steps to solve word problems involving fractions:

  1. Read the question carefully and identify what is being asked.
  2. Represent the unknown quantity with a variable.
  3. Translate the word problem into a mathematical equation.
  4. Solve the equation step by step.
  5. Interpret your answer in the context of the problem.

Example 3:
A number divided by 3 gives 5. What is the number?
Let the number be (x).
[
frac{x}{3} = 5
]
Multiply both sides by 3:
(x = 15)

The number is 15.

Simplifying Expressions Involving Brackets

When solving equations involving brackets, apply the distributive law to remove the brackets before simplifying.

The distributive law:
(a(b + c) = ab + ac)

Example 4:
[
3(x + 2) = 12
]
Remove the bracket:
(3x + 6 = 12)
Subtract 6 from both sides:
(3x = 6)
Divide by 3:
(x = 2)


Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Explanation, Discussion, Demonstration, Group Work, Question and Answer


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher begins by revising previous knowledge on fractions and linear equations, then introduces the new topic by showing examples of equations containing fractions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and respond to revision questions.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and get ready to learn equations involving fractions.

Step 2: Solving Simple Equations Involving Fractions

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the steps for solving equations with fractions and works through examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow along and solve similar examples individually or in pairs.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to eliminate denominators and find unknowns.

Step 3: Word Problems Involving Fractions

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents real-life word problems that involve fractions and guides pupils to form and solve equations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by forming equations from given statements.
Learning Point: Pupils can translate real-world problems into equations and solve them.

Step 4: Simplifying Expressions with Brackets

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the distributive law and shows how to remove brackets in equations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy and solve examples on the board.
Learning Point: Pupils learn to simplify and solve equations with brackets correctly.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils record key points for later review.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. List the steps in solving equations involving fractions.
  2. Solve (frac{x}{5} + 3 = 7).
  3. Expand and simplify: (2(x + 3) = 10).
    Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally and on the board.
    Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of solving equations with fractions.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points and encourages regular practice to improve accuracy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of fractional equations.


Lesson Keywords

  • Equation – a mathematical statement showing equality between two expressions
  • Fraction – a number that represents a part of a whole
  • Denominator – the bottom number in a fraction
  • Distributive Law – rule used to remove brackets in expressions
  • Variable – a symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown quantity

Differentiation

Teacher provides guided practice and step-by-step hints for slower learners, while advanced learners solve more complex fractional equations independently.


Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Emphasize clarity and order in each solving step. Use simple examples before complex ones and ensure pupils understand each step before moving on. Encourage neat, logical workings.

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Lesson Note on Equations Involving Fractions, Word Problems and Simplifying Brackets for JSS 3 (JSS3)
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