Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Mathematics
Previous Lesson: Algebraic Fractions with Monomial Denominators
Topic: Simple Equations
subject Matter: Solving simple equations, Word problems on simple equations

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Solve simple linear equations with one variable.
(b) Interpret and solve word problems involving simple equations.
Affective Domain:
(a) Show interest and confidence in solving algebraic problems.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Apply correct mathematical steps in solving equations on the board.
Social Domain:
(a) Work collaboratively in pairs or groups to solve given 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
Math is Fun – “Algebra: Solving Equations” (https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/equations-solving.html)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Algebraic tiles
Marker and whiteboard
Flashcards with equations
Chart showing steps in solving equations
Sample word problem cards

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson enables students to understand and apply algebraic methods for solving simple equations, which is essential for higher-level mathematics and real-life problem-solving.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have been introduced to algebraic expressions, basic operations, and how to simplify expressions involving variables.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Lesson Content

Simple Equations

A simple equation is a mathematical statement showing that two expressions are equal, usually containing one variable. To solve an equation means finding the value of the unknown that makes the equation true.

The following are steps for solving simple equations:

Identify the variable and isolate it on one side of the equation.
Perform inverse operations to remove numbers attached to the variable.
Simplify the result to obtain the value of the unknown.
Check the solution by substituting it back into the original equation.

Examples of Solving Simple Equations

Examples are:

Solve: x + 5 = 12
Solution:
Subtract 5 from both sides:
x = 12 − 5
x = 7
Solve: 3x = 18
Solution:
Divide both sides by 3:
x = 18 ÷ 3
x = 6
Solve: 2x − 4 = 10
Solution:
Add 4 to both sides:
2x = 14
Divide by 2:
x = 7

Word Problems on Simple Equations

Word problems involve real-life situations where information can be written as an equation and solved.

Examples includes:

A number increased by 8 gives 20. Find the number.
Let the number be x:
x + 8 = 20
x = 20 − 8
x = 12
Twice a number is 30. Find the number.
Let the number be x:
2x = 30
x = 30 ÷ 2
x = 15
If a student buys a pen and pencil for ₦150 and the pencil costs ₦50, find the cost of the pen.
Let the cost of the pen be x:
x + 50 = 150
x = 150 − 50
x = 100

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Guided Practice, 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: Teacher reviews previous work on algebraic expressions and writes a simple equality like 3 + 4 = 7, asking pupils what the equal sign represents.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond that both sides are the same.
Learning Point: Pupils connect equality to simple equations.

Step 2: Explanation of Simple Equations

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains simple equations and demonstrates how to isolate the variable using examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and observe steps.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to solve equations.

Step 3: Solving Worked Examples

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher solves 2–3 equation examples on the board and explains each step clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the steps and attempt similar problems on their own.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to apply inverse operations.

Step 4: Word Problems on Simple Equations

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains how to translate word problems into equations and solves sample problems.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in group discussions and attempt the given word problems.
Learning Point: Pupils can convert real-life statements into equations.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher writes or dictates the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write notes.
Learning Point: Pupils record key information.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

Solve: x − 4 = 10
Solve: 5x = 25
A number divided by 3 gives 9. What is the number?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of solving equations.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages practice at home.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate knowledge of simple equations.

Lesson Keywords

Equation – a statement showing equality of two expressions
Variable – a letter representing an unknown number
Inverse operations – opposite mathematical actions
Simplify – to reduce a problem to a simpler form
Translate – express a word problem in mathematical form

Differentiation

Provide step-by-step guides for slower learners, while advanced pupils solve extra equation challenges.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use simple, clear steps when solving equations. Encourage pupils to always check their solutions by substitution.