Lesson 3: Solving Linear Systems by Substitution
Module 7: Systems of Linear Equations
Lesson 3: Solving Linear Systems by Substitution
Focus
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The Edible Schoolyard is a school garden program that was founded in Berkeley, California, in 1995 by Alice Waters, who is both a chef and an author. The program has now spread throughout the United States and Canada.
Originally implemented to combat childhood obesity, the Edible Schoolyard is designed to help students learn about the importance of fresh foods and healthy eating. Children in the program learn how to tend a garden from planting the seeds through to the harvesting of the crop. Students also learn how to prepare meals and dishes using the food they have grown. The Edible Schoolyard has met with both success and criticism. School authorities have seen an improvement in student well-being, while critics suggest that the program is a distraction from learning the basics.
Gardening and cooking are recreational pursuits that are gaining in popularity, especially as people become more conscious about their health. There are many benefits to tending your own garden and cooking the food that it yields. Such benefits include the fact that you would be harvesting free food—food that is free of pesticides and preservatives.
In addition, studies show that working in a garden can help a person reduce stress. Gardening also provides many opportunities for physical exercise, including hoeing, planting, watering, and harvesting.
In this lesson you will learn to use algebraic techniques to solve systems of equations. You will see how linear systems can be used to solve problems related to gardening and cooking.
Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to
- determine the solution of a system of linear equations by using the substitution method
- verify the solution of a system of linear equations algebraically
Lesson Questions
- How do you decide which variable to isolate? Does it matter?
- Why would you change a mathematical equation into an equivalent expression?
Assessment
As you work through each lesson, complete all the questions and learning activities in your binder using paper and pencil, clearly labeling your work (they refer to this as your course folder). These include the Are you Ready, Try This, Share and Self Check questions. Check your work if answers are provided. Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course.
Once you have completed all of the learning activities, take the Lesson Quiz. This is the assessment for each lesson and is located under the Activities block on the left in moodle or under the Assess tab.
** Note – Share questions may have to be done on your own depending on your learning situation**
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