ACTIVITY – Linear Equations in one Variable
Objective :
To solve a puzzle of linear equations in one variable by activity method.
Materials Required :
Calendar of any year.
Procedure:
Choose four dates mentally to form a box as shown
in the table below:
2. Find the sum of the chosen dates. Here, the sum of four chosen dates is 72. Divide 72 by 4 to get 18.
3. Now subtract 4 from 18 to get the first date, i.e., 14. To obtain other dates add 1, 7 and 8 respectively to 14.
Therefore, desired dates are 14, 15, 21 and 22.
Note: 1. This activity is done with the help of a friend.
2. Your friend would tell only the sum of the four dates.
3. After finding the dates, ask the friend whether the answer is correct or not.
Mathematical Explanation:
Let the first number (date) be x.
Then the next numbers would be x + 1, x + 7 and x + 8.
x + x + 1 + x + 7 + x + 8 = 4x + 16
Let us say that the sum of four dates = 72
4x + 16 = 72
4 (x + 4) = 72
x + 4 = 18
x = 14
That gives you the first date. The other dates are 15, 21 and 22.
