few_shots: 
Example 1:
Problem/activity:
Find the general solution for:
$${\mathrm{cos}\left({\pi\over2}+x\right)=\mathrm{tan}{\pi\over4}}$$


Concept/skill: 
Prove the addition and subtraction formulas for sine, cosine, and tangent and use them to solve problems.

Answer: 
Yes. An initial step when solving for x in this problem requires the use of the addition formula for cosine on the left side of the equation.

Example 2:
Problem/activity:
Task
Solve the quadratic equation
$$ x^2 = (2x - 9)^2 $$
using as many different methods as possible.


Concept/skill: 
Solve quadratic equations in one variable.

Answer: 
Yes. This task shows one quadratic equation with one variable, x.

Example 3:
Problem/activity:
Task
Suppose $A$ is an angle with vertex $P$, as pictured below:
[IMG]
Draw a circle with center $P$ and with  radius $r \gt 0$.  Explain why the circle
meets each ray of angle $A$ in a single point.  Label these points $Q$ and $R$ respectively.
Draw circles with centers $Q$ and $R$ respectively and radius $r$.  These circles meet at $P$ and a second point to be labelled $B$.
Show that ray $\overrightarrow{PB}$  bisects angle $P$.


Concept/skill: 
Construct a tangent line from a point outside a given circle to the circle.

Answer: 
No. This task does not involve drawing lines that are tangent to circles. The only line that may be drawn is the ray between points P and B.

Now, does the problem or activity shown below enable students to learn the full intent of the following concept or skill?

shot_info: fl_problem_001894_pos_0

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im_task_000870_pos_0

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im_task_001160_neg_0

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standard_description: Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 × 7.
problem_activity: Activity
The mathematical purpose for this activity is to allow students to practice solving for a variable in an equation with two variables. In the associated Algebra lesson, expressing one variable in terms of another is necessary before substituting an expression for a variable in another equation.
Launch
Demonstrate how to solve for a variable by showing students the equation
\(a + 2b = 5\)
. Solving for
\(a\)
results in
\(a = 5 - 2b\)
or
\(a = \text{-}2b + 5\)
. Solving for
\(b\)
results in
\(b = \frac{5-a}{2}\)
or
\(b = \frac{5}{2} - \frac{a}{2}\)
or another equivalent expression.
Student Facing
Solve for the indicated variable.
Solve for
\(k\)
.
\(2t+k=6\)
Solve for
\(n\)
.
\(10n=2p\)
Solve for
\(c\)
.
\(12-6d=3c\)
Solve for
\(g\)
.
\(h=8g+4\)
Solve for
\(x\)
.
\(4x+3y=12\)
Solve for
\(y\)
.
\(4x+3y=12\)
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
The purpose of the discussion is to share strategies for solving for one variable in an equation including more than one variable. Select students to share their answers and strategies. As students share, consider asking another student why each step makes sense to do.
Some questions for discussion:
"How do you know when you are done solving for a variable?" (When the variable I want to solve for is the only thing on one side of the equation.)
"How is solving for
\(x\)
in an equation like
\(4x+3y=12\)
similar or different from solving for
\(x\)
in an equation like
\(4x + 6 = 12\)
?" (The steps are very similar, but when there is only one variable, we can know the value of
\(x\)
that makes the equation true.)
"If you know the value for
\(y\)
is 2 and need to know the value for
\(x\)
, would you rather begin with the equation
\(4x + 3y = 12\)
or the equivalent equation
\(x = 3 - \frac{3}{4}y\)
? Explain your reasoning." (I would rather use the second equation since I only need to substitute in the value for
\(y\)
and evaluate the expression rather than solve an equation.)


aligns: no