Algebra 1 | Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Systems

Unit Summary

In Unit 4, students become proficient at manipulating, identifying features, graphing, and modeling with two-variable linear equations and inequalities. Students are introduced to inverse functions and formalize their understanding on linear systems of equations and inequalities to model and analyze contextual situations. Proficiency of algebraic manipulation and solving, graphing skills, and identification of features of functions are essential groundwork to build future concepts studied in Units 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Topic A builds on work from Unit 3 to expand the idea of a solution to a coordinate point and to review identifying features of linear functions as well as graphing and writing equations in different forms to reveal properties. Students build on conceptual work from eighth grade on independence and dependence to define, create, and model with inverse functions.

Topic B expands students’ understanding of a single-variable inequality to linear inequalities. Students are expected to use tools of checking solutions strategically as well as attending to precision in notation and graphing.

Topic C combines learning from topics A and B to explore and model with systems of equations and inequalities. Students need to be precise in their calculations and choose efficient methods of solving as well as contextualize and decontextualize situations that can be modeled with a system of equations or inequalities.

Pacing: 17 instructional days (14 lessons, 2 flex days, 1 assessment day)

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Assessment

The following assessments accompany Unit 4.

Post-Unit

Use the resources below to assess student understanding of the unit content and action plan for future units.

Unit Prep

Intellectual Prep

Suggestions for how to prepare to teach this unit

Internalization of Standards via the Unit Assessment

Take unit assessment. Annotate for:
- Standards that each question aligns to
- Purpose of each question: spiral, foundational, mastery, developing
- Strategies and representations used in daily lessons
- Relationship to Essential Understandings of unit
- Lesson(s) that assessment points to

Internalization of Trajectory of Unit

Read and annotate "Unit Summary."
Notice the progression of concepts through the unit using "Unit at a Glance."
Do all target tasks. Annotate the target tasks for:
- Essential understandings
- Connection to assessment questions

Essential Understandings

The central mathematical concepts that students will come to understand in this unit

Linear equations and linear inequalities can be used to model situations. These models can be used to describe the situation, to provide a generalization, and as a prediction tool by defining variables and representing the solution in the context of the problem.
Linear equations and linear inequalities can be represented in graphs, multiple forms of equations, tables, and contextual situations—each highlighting particular features of the linear equation or inequality. Using all of these tools will help to make meaning of the situation that the inequality or equation models.
A situation can be modeled by the intersection of two or more equations or inequalities called a system. Algebraic and graphical tools can be used to solve these systems.

Vocabulary

Terms and notation that students learn or use in the unit

Standard form	Inverse functions $${f^{-1}( x)}$$
Slope-intercept form & Point-slope form	Linear inequality
Linear equation	Solution set
Rate of change	Boundary line
Slope/y-intercept/zeros	Systems of linear equations
Constraint	Systems of linear inequalities
Solve by substitution/Solve by elimination	Solution to a system

Lesson Map

Topic A: Properties and Solutions of Two-Variable Linear Equations and Inverse Functions

Identify the solutions and features of a linear equation and when two linear equations have the same solutions.

A.REI.D.10 A.SSE.B.3

Write linear equations given features, points, or graph in standard form, point-slope form, and slope-intercept form.

A.SSE.B.3 F.IF.B.4 F.IF.C.7.A

Determine if a function is linear based on the rate of change of points in the function presented graphically and in a table of values.

F.IF.B.6 F.IF.C.7.A F.IF.C.9 F.LE.A.1.A

Identify inverse functions graphically and from a table of values in contextual and non-contextual situations.

F.BF.B.4.A F.IF.A.1 F.IF.A.2 F.IF.B.5

Find inverse functions algebraically, and model inverse functions from contextual situations.

A.CED.A.4 F.BF.B.4.A F.IF.B.6

Topic B: Properties and Solutions of Two-Variable Linear Inequalities

Describe the solutions and features of a linear inequality. Graph linear inequalities.

A.REI.D.12

Write linear inequalities from graphs.

A.CED.A.3 A.REI.D.12

Write linear inequalities from contextual situations.

A.CED.A.3

Topic C: Systems of Equations and Inequalities

Solve a system of linear equations graphically.

A.CED.A.3 A.REI.D.11

Identify solutions to systems of inequalities graphically. Write systems of inequalities from graphs and word problems.

A.CED.A.3 A.REI.D.12

Solve linear systems of equations of two variables by substitution.

A.CED.A.3 A.REI.C.5 A.REI.C.6 N.Q.A.2

Identify solutions to systems of equations algebraically using elimination. Write systems of equations.

A.REI.C.5

Identify solutions to systems of equations using any method. Write systems of equations.

A.REI.A.1 A.REI.C.6 A.SSE.B.3

Identify solutions to systems of equations with three variables.

A.REI.C.6

Common Core Standards

Key

Major Cluster

Supporting Cluster

Additional Cluster

Core Standards

The content standards covered in this unit

Building Functions

F.BF.B.4 — Find inverse functions.

Building Functions

F.BF.B.4 — Find inverse functions.
F.BF.B.4.A — Solve an equation of the form f(x) = c for a simple function f that has an inverse and write an expression for the inverse. For example, f(x) =2 x3 or f(x) = (x+1)/(x—1) for x ? 1.

Building Functions

F.BF.B.4.A — Solve an equation of the form f(x) = c for a simple function f that has an inverse and write an expression for the inverse. For example, f(x) =2 x3 or f(x) = (x+1)/(x—1) for x ? 1.

Creating Equations

A.CED.A.3 — Represent constraints by equations or inequalities, and by systems of equations and/or inequalities, and interpret solutions as viable or nonviable options in a modeling context. For example, represent inequalities describing nutritional and cost constraints on combinations of different foods.

Creating Equations

A.CED.A.3 — Represent constraints by equations or inequalities, and by systems of equations and/or inequalities, and interpret solutions as viable or nonviable options in a modeling context. For example, represent inequalities describing nutritional and cost constraints on combinations of different foods.
A.CED.A.4 — Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. For example, rearrange Ohm's law V = IR to highlight resistance R.

Creating Equations

A.CED.A.4 — Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. For example, rearrange Ohm's law V = IR to highlight resistance R.

High School — Number and Quantity

N.Q.A.2 — Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.

High School — Number and Quantity

N.Q.A.2 — Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.A.1 — Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x. The graph of f is the graph of the equation y = f(x).

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.A.1 — Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x. The graph of f is the graph of the equation y = f(x).
F.IF.A.2 — Use function notation, evaluate functions for inputs in their domains, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a context.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.A.2 — Use function notation, evaluate functions for inputs in their domains, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a context.
F.IF.B.4 — For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; end behavior; and periodicity. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.B.4 — For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; end behavior; and periodicity. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.
F.IF.B.5 — Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the quantitative relationship it describes. For example, if the function h(n) gives the number of person-hours it takes to assemble n engines in a factory, then the positive integers would be an appropriate domain for the function. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.B.5 — Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the quantitative relationship it describes. For example, if the function h(n) gives the number of person-hours it takes to assemble n engines in a factory, then the positive integers would be an appropriate domain for the function. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.
F.IF.B.6 — Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function (presented symbolically or as a table) over a specified interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.B.6 — Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function (presented symbolically or as a table) over a specified interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.
F.IF.C.7 — Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.C.7 — Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.
F.IF.C.7.A — Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.C.7.A — Graph linear and quadratic functions and show intercepts, maxima, and minima.
F.IF.C.9 — Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions). For example, given a graph of one quadratic function and an algebraic expression for another, say which has the larger maximum.

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.C.9 — Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions). For example, given a graph of one quadratic function and an algebraic expression for another, say which has the larger maximum.

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

F.LE.A.1 — Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

F.LE.A.1 — Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.
F.LE.A.1.A — Prove that linear functions grow by equal differences over equal intervals, and that exponential functions grow by equal factors over equal intervals.

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

F.LE.A.1.A — Prove that linear functions grow by equal differences over equal intervals, and that exponential functions grow by equal factors over equal intervals.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.A.1 — Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.A.1 — Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
A.REI.C.5 — Prove that, given a system of two equations in two variables, replacing one equation by the sum of that equation and a multiple of the other produces a system with the same solutions.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.C.5 — Prove that, given a system of two equations in two variables, replacing one equation by the sum of that equation and a multiple of the other produces a system with the same solutions.
A.REI.C.6 — Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.C.6 — Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables.
A.REI.D.10 — Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line).

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.D.10 — Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate plane, often forming a curve (which could be a line).
A.REI.D.11 — Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y = f(x) and y = g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations. Include cases where f(x) and/or g(x) are linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.D.11 — Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y = f(x) and y = g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x) = g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations. Include cases where f(x) and/or g(x) are linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.
A.REI.D.12 — Graph the solutions to a linear inequality in two variables as a half-plane (excluding the boundary in the case of a strict inequality), and graph the solution set to a system of linear inequalities in two variables as the intersection of the corresponding half-planes.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.D.12 — Graph the solutions to a linear inequality in two variables as a half-plane (excluding the boundary in the case of a strict inequality), and graph the solution set to a system of linear inequalities in two variables as the intersection of the corresponding half-planes.

Seeing Structure in Expressions

A.SSE.B.3 — Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Seeing Structure in Expressions

A.SSE.B.3 — Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Foundational Standards

Standards covered in previous units or grades that are important background for the current unit

Expressions and Equations

7.EE.B.4.B

Expressions and Equations

7.EE.B.4.B — Solve word problems leading to inequalities of the form px + q > r or px + q < r, where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers. Graph the solution set of the inequality and interpret it in the context of the problem. For example: As a salesperson, you are paid $50 per week plus $3 per sale. This week you want your pay to be at least $100. Write an inequality for the number of sales you need to make, and describe the solutions.
8.EE.B.5

Expressions and Equations

8.EE.B.5 — Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways. For example, compare a distance-time graph to a distance-time equation to determine which of two moving objects has greater speed.
8.EE.B.6

Expressions and Equations

8.EE.B.6 — Use similar triangles to explain why the slope m is the same between any two distinct points on a non-vertical line in the coordinate plane; derive the equation y = mx for a line through the origin and the equation y = mx + b for a line intercepting the vertical axis at b.
8.EE.C.7

Expressions and Equations

8.EE.C.7 — Solve linear equations in one variable.
8.EE.C.8

Expressions and Equations

8.EE.C.8 — Analyze and solve pairs of simultaneous linear equations.

Functions

8.F.A.1

Functions

8.F.A.1 — Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output. Function notation is not required in Grade 8.
8.F.A.2

Functions

8.F.A.2 — Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions). For example, given a linear function represented by a table of values and a linear function represented by an algebraic expression, determine which function has the greater rate of change.
8.F.A.3

Functions

8.F.A.3 — Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear. For example, the function A = s² giving the area of a square as a function of its side length is not linear because its graph contains the points (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9), which are not on a straight line.
8.F.B.4

Functions

8.F.B.4 — Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or from two (x, y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values.
8.F.B.5

Functions

8.F.B.5 — Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a graph (e.g., where the function is increasing or decreasing, linear or nonlinear). Sketch a graph that exhibits the qualitative features of a function that has been described verbally.

Future Standards

Standards in future grades or units that connect to the content in this unit

Building Functions

F.BF.A.1

Building Functions

F.BF.A.1 — Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Creating Equations

HSA-CED.A

Creating Equations

HSA-CED.A — Create equations that describe numbers or relationships

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.B.4

Interpreting Functions

F.IF.B.4 — For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing, decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; end behavior; and periodicity. Modeling is best interpreted not as a collection of isolated topics but in relation to other standards. Making mathematical models is a Standard for Mathematical Practice, and specific modeling standards appear throughout the high school standards indicated by a star symbol (★). The star symbol sometimes appears on the heading for a group of standards; in that case, it should be understood to apply to all standards in that group.

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.A.2

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.A.2 — Solve simple rational and radical equations in one variable, and give examples showing how extraneous solutions may arise.
A.REI.C.7

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

A.REI.C.7 — Solve a simple system consisting of a linear equation and a quadratic equation in two variables algebraically and graphically. For example, find the points of intersection between the line y = -3x and the circle x² + y² = 3.
HSA-REI.D

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

HSA-REI.D — Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically

Standards for Mathematical Practice

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 — Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2 — Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP3 — Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 — Model with mathematics.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5 — Use appropriate tools strategically.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6 — Attend to precision.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP7 — Look for and make use of structure.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP8 — Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Unit 3

Linear Expressions & Single-Variable Equations/Inequalities

Unit 5

Functions and Transformations

Linear Equations, Inequalities and Systems

Unit Summary

Assessment

Post-Unit

Unit Prep

Intellectual Prep

Essential Understandings

Vocabulary

Lesson Map

Common Core Standards

Core Standards

Building Functions

Building Functions

Building Functions

Creating Equations

Creating Equations

Creating Equations

High School — Number and Quantity

High School — Number and Quantity

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Seeing Structure in Expressions

Seeing Structure in Expressions

Foundational Standards

Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Functions

Functions

Functions

Functions

Functions

Functions

Future Standards

Building Functions

Building Functions

Creating Equations

Creating Equations

Interpreting Functions

Interpreting Functions

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities

Standards for Mathematical Practice

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