10.

4 Solving Radical Equations

Instructional Objectives
1. I can solve equations involving radicals

Terms used:

Radical, Isolate, Square, Square Root, Solve, Check

Lesson:
Motivation: This section will expand on our prerequisite knowledge of

solving equations and simplifying radical expressions. Students have solved

radical equations with a single square root in the previous lesson and will be
exploring solving equations with multiple square roots in todays lesson.
Solving radical equations will be a necessary skill when students begin
graphing square root functions in the next lesson.
1. Hw Questions / Warm Up (15 min)
2. Exploring Solving Radicals Group work (25-30 min)
3. Hw work time (10-15 min)

Instructions:
1. Have homework on your desk. Complete the warm up while I stamp
calendars. We will discuss the warmup and answer any Hw questions
once this is complete.
2. Your group has been given 5 equations involving radicals. You will have
the next 25 minutes to work as a group to solve each of these
equations. For each step of solving your group needs to be able to
explain what has happened. Each group member needs to be able to
explain all steps. Your group must check with me before moving on to
the next equation. I will choose a different member of the group to
explain your groups solution path each time.
a. Students will be working in groups of 3-4 during this part of the
lesson. Students should all be participating in their groups. I will
be monitoring groups and facilitating discussion to elicit student
thinking and strategies.
b. During this time, I will be collecting evidence on:
i. Student thinking
ii. Student engagement
c. Anticipated Strategies
i. Distribute Square root and try to simplify both sides of the
equation
ii. Square only one side

iii. Square both sides but distribute square to terms inside

square root
iv. Distribute constant to inside of square root
v. Ignore constant after squaring
vi. Use the wrong operation to combine the constant and
inside of radical after squaring
vii. Square both sides and solve correctly
d. Group Facilitation:
i. What method did you use in this step?
ii. Could you have done these steps in a different order and
got the same answer?
iii. How would you know that your equation has solutions?
iv. Can all of you explain to me your work for this part?
3. Use the strategies and structures from todays lesson to complete the
Hw set listed on your calendar. Be sure to show your work.
a. This can be done individually or in partners/small groups.
Students should be sharing their thinking with each other.

Standards Addressed:
A. REI.2: Solve simple rational and radical equations in one variable

Warm Up
Solve for x:
1.

3 x +1=4
5

2.4+

x+1 = -2
No Solution