Algebra I: Visualizing Integers

Objectives

• Students will identify expressions that balance an equation.
• Students will find values that satisfy integer equalities.
• Students will recognize and use the additive inverse property.

Vocabulary

• Equation
• Additive inverse property

About the Lesson

The Visualizing Integers activity is intended to develop student understanding of the additive inverse property through simple integer equalities. Students will move integer algebra tiles on a balance-scale and observe the changes in the balance-scale. Students will also observe changes in the total numerical value of each side of the equation and how those changes affect the balance.