Dinosaur algebra 0 Overview Using this Resource Connecting to the Curriculum Marking Student Responses Working with Students Further Resources This task is about using algebraic equations. Question a) A triceratops weighed four times as much as a stegosaurus. Together they weighed 15 tonnes. Here is an equation describing their total weight. x + 4x = 15 i) What does the x in the equation stand for? The weight of the triceratops. The weight of the stegosaurus. The number of dinosaurs. The total weight of the two dinosaurs. The difference in weight between the two dinosaurs. Question ii) What is the weight of the stegosaurus? 1 tonne 3 tonnes 4 tonnes 12 tonnes 15 tonnes Question A brontosaurus weighed 3 times as much as a triceratops. Together they weighed 48 tonnes. The equation shows their total weight. y + y = 48 To complete the equation correctly, what number should be in the box above? 1 2 3 4 8 Task administration: This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online with auto-marking. Level: 4 Curriculum info: Maths, Number and Algebra, Equations and expressions Keywords: linear equations, rules, pronumerals Description of task: Students describe a variable in a linear equation, solve the equation, and complete a second equation relating to weights. Learning Progression FrameworksThis resource can provide evidence of learning associated with Using symbols and expressions to think mathematically, sets 4-5 within the Mathematics Learning Progressions Frameworks.Read more about the Learning Progressions Frameworks. Answers/responses: Y8 (09/2000) a) i) The weight of the stegosaurus (B) difficult ii) 3 tonnes (B) moderate b) 4 tonnes (C) moderate Diagnostic and formative information: Common error Likely reason a) i) ii) The weight of the triceratops (A) The difference in weight between the two dinosaurs (E) 4 tonnes (C) 12 tonnes (D) x is triceratops, 4x is stegosaurus. Assumes the "4" is the weight of the Stegosaurus and does not take "x" into account. This is weight of triceratops (4x = 12). b) 4 (D) 8 (E) Uses format from equation in question a). Vehicle weights Weight calculation Balancing the bank account Finding width and length Which formula? Distance jogging