It never fails. Just when I feel students are confident graphing linear equations and have a clear understanding of how the table relates to the graph and the equation relates to slope and y-intercept, they freeze. At least one student will stare at the paper as if they’ve never seen a table or graph in their life. Then they’ll look at me like, “How in the world am I supposed to know what a slope is?!” Sigh.

If you occasionally get that “deer in headlights” look from students when they need to graph a linear equation, I hope you’ll enjoy this set of puzzles. Though they do require a little prep up front, you can keep them on hand for an easy math center or math station whenever you feel students need a ‘refresher.’

Graph Linear Equations Puzzles: Prep-Work

To begin, I recommend you print all 16 puzzles on card stock paper for durability.

NOTE: The first 8 puzzles include equations written in slope-intercept form. The last 8 puzzles can either be easily re-written in slope-intercept or they are written in standard form.

If your students are not ready for the more challenging equations yet, you can print the first 8 puzzles only.

Once printed, laminate the puzzles so you can use them again and again, then cut out the pieces of each puzzle. There are 3 pieces for each puzzle (an equation, a table and a graph).

Once all pieces and puzzles are cut out, mix them up really well and share with students!

Plus, to make checking the solutions super easy for you (or students!), a single page ‘quick check’ answer key is included of all 16 puzzles.

Print this page as well if you’d like to use it for a quick scan of their matches.

Ideas for Using the Linear Equation Puzzles in Class:

• Math Center: If you have regular math center or stations in your class, this makes a great center option.
• Choice Board: If you provide students with a choice board, you could include the puzzles as a choice board option.
• Small Groups: If you would like all students in the class to work on the puzzles together, you can create 3-4 sets of puzzles and they let students work in small groups to match the pieces and discuss together.
• Bulletin Board Display: Lastly, you can print the puzzles on plain white paper, cut out the pieces and scatter the tables/graphs around the room. Give each student (or pair of students) an equation and let them ‘hunt’ for the matching table and graph. Once you confirm they have a matching puzzle set, they can glue the completed puzzle onto construction paper to hang on a bulletin board or around your classroom.

If you’re looking for resources to teach & explore linear functions, check out Math Geek Mama+, our ad-free option that includes inquiry lessons, games, digital activities & more to help students make sense of algebra topics like this one.

Plus, you’ll find more engaging and easy to use math center ideas like this one!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE

Ideas for Class Discussion of the Graphing Equations Puzzles:

The goal of this activity is to help students see the connections between an equation, a table and the graph of the equation. So ideally, this activity doesn’t end when students complete the puzzles. If possible, give time for students to share their thinking & strategies for finding matches.

Here are some additional discussion question ideas:

• Where do you see the intercepts in the table? On the graph?
• What is the slope? Where do you see the slope in the table? In the equation? On the graph?
• Would you say the graph is increasing or decreasing? Why?
• What does it mean to be a solution of the equation? Where do you see solutions in the table? On the graph?

Although this seems like a very simple activity, my hope is that it’s a springboard for meaning math conversations, connections and ‘light bulb’ moments for students.

Ready to grab this freebie for your classroom? Use the link below to head to my shop where you can get it free.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Graph Linear Equations Puzzles Set!}

Looking for more ideas for teaching & exploring linear functions? Check out these:

• Graph Linear Equations: Cut & Paste Pages
• Solve Equations Error Analysis – DIGITAL
• Silly Christmas Riddles: Solve Linear Equations

The post {FREE} Graph Linear Equations Puzzles: Match Equation, Table & Graph appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

I find that a lot of textbooks barely skim the surface when it comes time to solve linear inequalities. After all, once students are comfortable solving linear equations, this is just more of the same, right? Wrong! Inequalities are more complex and have greater depth of meaning than equations, and although the algebra involved in solving them may look similar, it takes a lot of work to actually understand what’s going on. Plus, students have to know when to “flip the inequality symbol.” What does that even mean, and why do we do it? But once you’ve done the hard work of sense-making and students are ready to practice, grab these silly riddle pages for Low-Prep Solve Inequalities Practice.

Understanding the Solution to Inequalities:

One of the biggest differences between a linear equation and an inequality is the solution.

In both cases, the solution is the value(s) that make(s) the statement true.

However, most students are used to solving an equation in which exactly one number makes the equation true. (Yes, a linear equation can also have no solution or infinite solutions, but in early middle school students are solving an equation to find exactly one number that makes it true).

An inequality, on the other hand, will have a whole range of numbers that make the statement true.

For example, if the solution is x < 2, that means that the solution is not 2. The solution is ANY number that is less than 2. So it could be 1.9. It could be 0. It could be -100.

It’s important that as students solve inequalities they model the solution on a number line so they can visualize the entire set of numbers that makes the inequality true.

Although this set of riddles practice pages do not include number lines, you may want to have students sketch a number line next to each solution as well so they can show you they understand the solution and what set of numbers is part of the solution.

Solve Inequalities Practice Pages: Easy to Differentiate

This download includes 3 practice pages, gradually increasing in difficulty.

You will find the following inequalities to solve:

• Solve one-step inequalities (use with 6th or 7th grade)
• Solve two-step inequalities (use with 7th or 8th grade)
• Solve multi-step inequalities (use with 8th or 9th grade)

If you have students who are struggling or need to get back to the basics, start with the first page of one-step inequalities.

But if you have more advanced students who are ready for a challenge, let them try the multi-step page! This page includes variables on both sides of the inequality symbol as well as the distributive property.

Plus, as students solve each inequality they can self-check as they look for the solution at the bottom of the page to determine the answer to the silly riddle!

If you’re looking for resources to teach solving inequalities, check out Math Geek Mama+, our ad-free option that includes inquiry lessons to help students make sense of algebra topics such as solving inequalities.

There are visual lessons to help students see and understand what inequalities mean and WHY the inequality symbol flips.

Plus, you’ll find more engaging and easy to use practice pages like this one!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE

Ready to use these riddle pages with your students? Just use the link below to grab it in my shop.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Solve Inequalities Practice with Silly Riddles!}

Plus, find more resources for solving equations and inequalities at the links below:

• Summer Algebra Review: Solve Equations Practice
• Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
• DIGITAL Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis {FREE}

The post Solve Inequalities Practice – Silly Riddles for 7th-8th Grade appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

One of my biggest goals when teaching Algebra–whether it is in the classroom with middle schoolers, reviewing with high school students or teaching my own kids as we homeschool–is to help kids visualize Algebra and see the connections between words, tables, graphs and equations. The last thing I want is for students to think of graphing a linear equation as an independent skill, devoid of meaning and unrelated to everything else that they’re learning. Because it’s not! Understanding the graph of a linear equation and how it relates to a particular context, then seeing the points in a table and tying all that to the equation leads to deep understanding. Not just rote memorization. Not just following steps mindlessly so they can get by. But actual understanding that shows how we see and use Algebra in the real world everyday.

So to that end, I like to do a lot of matching activities and sorting challenges to force students to consider how all these pieces fit and work together. This set of super low-prep cut and paste worksheets is just one example, but I hope it helps your kids practice graphing linear equations while also looking for connections between the equation and the graph.

Materials Needed:

• Linear Equations Worksheets
• Scissors for each student
• Glue sticks

Prep Work:

To get ready to use this, simply print out the worksheets you want to assign to students. There are three included in the download (link at the end of this post), so feel free to use them however you like.

Print enough worksheets for all your students, pass out scissors and glue sticks and you’re all set!

Easy peasy!

Using the Graphing Linear Equations Worksheets:

To begin, students cut out the graphs at the bottom of the page. They then glue the graphs above the corresponding linear equation.

Before your students start, you might want to discuss strategies together as a group. For example:

• Make a table of values for each equation, then match those to the corresponding graphs
• Look at the slopes to determine if they’re positive or negative and narrow down possible graphs
• Use the y-intercept to narrow down the possible graphs

If your students are unsure of where to begin, provide some blank graph paper and encourage them to graph one of the equations on their own.

Although creating a table of values and then plotting each point on a separate graph until you see a matching graph may seem tedious to you, this might be where some students are most comfortable.

Give them time to make the connections between the y-intercept and slope seen in the equation with where and how those values are seen in the graph.

With more practice and exposure, they will eventually grow in confidence and be more comfortable with using the y-intercept as a starting point!

Ideas for Incorporating These Practice Pages:

Although you can use these however you want, here are some ideas of when to assign these low-prep practice pages.

• A warm-up for 3 days in a row
• Extra practice
• Review before a test
• Homework assignment
• Simple sub plans to keep on hand

You will also find answer keys for all three pages in the download, making it super easy for you to check students’ work, or for them to check their graphs themselves.

I hope this is useful for you and enjoyable for your students!

To grab your free printable, use the link below to grab the download in my shop.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Graphing Linear Equations Worksheets}

More Resources to Explore Linear Equations:

• Linear Equations Puzzles: Free Practice Set
• DIGITAL Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis {FREE}
• Christmas Graphing Challenge: Graphing Linear Equations

The post Graphing Linear Equations: Cut & Paste Worksheets {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

One of the biggest skills students learn as they prepare for and take algebra is solving equations. In other words, find the value of a variable that makes the equations true. When students first begin, I often see them solving these problems intuitively, without using algebraic strategies. And while I applaud their number sense, it is important for them to understand the underlying algebra for when problems get harder. Eventually, students will encounter an equation that is too hard to solve in their head or with a simple guess and check strategy. Wherever your students are, I hope these silly summer algebra review pages provide a fun review of solving equations.

Solving Equations Algebraically:

Laying a solid foundation is important for students to actually understand solving equations. I like to start by using hands on manipulatives such as algebra tiles or Hands On Equations.

As students begin to determine the value of the pieces, we talk about the steps they used to determine that. This might include physically subtracting or adding numbers to the board to keep it balanced. Or why we use inverse operations to ‘undo’ steps.

This helps students to see what they’re doing in a logical way, rather than trying to memorize steps that seem non-sensical to them.

Then we focus on equations that can be solved in one-step. Then we move onto two-step equations and so on. Slowly building on a solid foundation will lead to lasting understanding and sense-making.

Summer Algebra Review: Solving Equations Practice

Of course, after laying this foundation, it is important for kids to continue to practice to feel more comfortable and confident solving equations on their own.

That’s where these silly riddle pages come in!

Whether you use these as homework towards the end of the year, as practice during summer school, or as part of a summer algebra review packet to send home with your students, I hope this is useful!

The download includes 3 silly riddle pages. The first includes one-step equations, the second includes two-step equations and the third includes multi-step equations.

The third page includes the variable on both sides of the equal sign, as well as combining like terms. It does not include problems requiring the distributive property.

Of course, the fun of these pages is that they are self-checking. As students solve each equation, they find their solution at the bottom to fill in the answer to a silly summer riddle.

If they don’t see their answer, they know to try again and check their work.

Once they solve each problem, they’ll have the answer to the riddle! These corny, dad-approved jokes are sure to make your middle and high school students roll their eyes, LOL.

Ready to grab this low-prep algebra review? Just click the link below to grab them from my shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Summer Algebra Review: Solving Equations Practice!}

Looking for More Low-Prep Algebra Review? Try Some of These Ideas:

• Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
• Linear Equations Puzzles: Free Practice Set
• Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis | Digital
• Help Kids Make Sense of Algebra Vocabulary: FREE Guided Notes

The post Summer Algebra Review: Solve Equations Practice appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Confidently solving linear equations is one of biggest goals of the early Algebra years. And because of that, it is something that often requires a lot of practice and review. This simple set of linear equations puzzles provides a unique way for middle or high school students to practice this skill. It also includes a recording page so they can write their steps as they match the puzzle pieces.

Solving Linear Equations:

Often algebra units on linear equations are taught in increments: 1-step equations, 2-step equations, etc. While I understand the desire to ease into the more difficult problems, I think this often makes solving equations a “formula to follow” rather than showing the logic of conceptually making sense of the equations.

Regardless, once students have learned how to solve a variety of linear equations, they will inevitably need more practice still.

So this set of puzzles was designed to provide that extra support and practice. This set includes mostly 2-step equations, with a couple 1-step equations, perfect for early Algebra students or even more advanced Algebra students who need to review.

Included in the Solving Equations Puzzle Set:

This download includes 12 printable puzzles. Each puzzle includes a ‘piece’ with a linear equation and a matching ‘piece’ with the solution.

In addition, there is a simple recording page where students can write their steps as they solve. You can print this for students if you’d like them to turn something in.

But if you’re just using this puzzle set as a math center or review for early finishers, etc. you may not need to give them a recording page. They can simply work out each equation with a calculator and/or white board.

Setting Up & Using the Linear Equations Puzzles:

To begin, you’ll want to print all 12 puzzles. I suggest printing them on card stock paper, as this is thicker and more durable, making it easier to move around and use the puzzles.

If you want to prep these once to use year after year, you may want to laminate them as well.

Once printed (and laminated, if you want), cut out each puzzle. Each puzzle includes two pieces, so you’ll want to cut the two puzzle pieces apart.

Once all puzzles are printed and cut into pieces, just mix them up really well and hand them over to your students!

If you want them to submit their work to you, print out the single recording page as well, where they can write their steps.

If you’re splitting students into groups, give each individual student their own recording page, but then give each group 3-4 puzzles (you’ll need to split these ahead of time so they have the correct matching pieces).

Then students in the group can split up the puzzles and solve and discuss them together. Then as groups finish, they can swap puzzles with another group to solve some more.

I hope this provides a fun, new way to practice solving linear equations!

And if your kids are ready for more of a challenge, try this “Build Your Own Amusement Park” project. They will use and apply all sorts of Algebra skills with a fun and engaging context.

BUY Build Your Own Amusement Park HERE!

Ready to grab your FREE download with the linear equations puzzles? Click the link below to go to my shop to get your own copy.

{Click HERE to go to my shop to grab this FREE linear equations puzzles set!}

Find more Pre-Algebra resources below:

• DIGITAL Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis {FREE}
• Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
• Adding and Subtracting Integers {FREE Lesson!}

The post Linear Equations Puzzles: Free Practice Set appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Looking for a simple and fun way to practice integer operations? These adorable Easter Peeps Matching Cards can be used for a variety of games to help kids practice adding and subtracting integers. And this can be a fun and easy way to take a break from your normal math routine.

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

Could your students use some extra practice adding and subtracting integers this spring? This Easter Peeps themed card game is a fun way to practice important math skills!

How to Add & Subtract Integers:

Before playing this game, you’ll want to make sure your kids are familiar with adding and subtracting integers. This can be the cause of a lot of frustration and confusion, so working with lots of hands on models and visuals can help them make sense.

There are lots of great visuals to help kids see and understand integers without trying to memorize rules. Some visual models that can help see how addition & subtraction with integers work are:

• Number lines
• Two-colored chips
• A +/- chart

For a ready to use lesson introducing integer addition and subtraction, check out this free exploring integers lesson set.

You can also help kids see examples of adding & subtracting integers in real life with this free integers lesson.

And if you’re looking for even more resources to explore integers, try this collection of 5 adding & subtracting integers activities.

This includes a variety of different hands on activities, different visuals and additional fun games that you can play again and again.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ADDING & SUBTRACTING INTEGERS COLLECTION

Add & Subtract Integers Game Prep:

All you have to do is print the cards on card stock, laminate them for durability and then cut them out.

You could even print them on scrap book paper so that the back of the cards have a cute design.

Then they can be used to play “Memory” or “Go Fish.”

Also included in the download are game directions for each of these games, in case you are not familiar.

{Click HERE to go to my shop to download the Easter Peeps Integers Game!}

Looking for another fun and engaging way to work with integers? Try playing the game Absolute Zero! This game is a great introduction to adding and subtracting integers, and there are tons of fun variations as well.

>>Learn more and grab Absolute Zero on Amazon HERE.

Hope you can use this and your students enjoy it!

The post Easter Peeps: Add & Subtract Integers Game {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

My teaching career has been focused in elementary school. But with the decision to homeschool my children, I’m now getting to teach some middle school subjects.

My oldest started a sixth-grade math book this year. I’ll be honest: there have been a few problems I’ve really had to think through and use number sense to figure out. I’ve loved the challenge, and the opportunity to learn more with him.

This week we jumped into a little bit of algebra. I LOVE algebra, and it was fun to sit with him and discuss how to write and evaluate algebraic expressions.

I wanted him to have a little extra work with this skill, so I created these algebra word problems!

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

This is a guest post from Rachel of You’ve Got This Math.

Algebraic Expressions Prep-Work

Don’t you just love activities that don’t require prep-work? Well these word problems that have children creating algebraic expressions and then evaluating them require no prep-work.

Simply print off the pages you need, and that’s it.

What is An Algebraic Expression?

So what is an algebraic expression?

According to A Maths Dictionary For Kid’s, you can describe an algebraic expression in three ways:

1. It is a mathematical phrase that uses both numbers and variables
2. Though it may have basic operations and grouping symbols, it does not have equality or inequality signs.
3. Finally, both sides of an equation are expressions.

If you’re looking for more in depth lessons and practice with algebra, you may be interested in my Algebra Essentials Lesson Collection.

Writing an Algebraic Expression:

Now that we know what an algebraic expression is, it’s time to create one.

• Begin by giving your children a simple statement like, “Susan has three times as many books as Sally.”
• Next, you can ask, “How many books does Susan have?”

Well, we don’t know how many books Susan has, because we don’t know how many books Sally has. When we don’t know a key piece of data, we can use a variable to represent the unknown.

In this case, our variable will stand for how many books Sally has.

• Now, ask your children to write an expression using a b to represent how many books Sally has.
• Therefore, the expression b x 3 represents how many books Susan has.

Evaluating an Algebraic Expression:

Now it is time for the fun part: evaluating the expression.

And this is easy. Now we are just putting in a number where the variable is, since it is no longer an unknown.

Let’s go back to our statement about Susan and Sally. We created an algebraic expression b x 3 or 3b to show that Susan has three times as many books as Sally.

Now, tell the children that you found out that Sally has 12 books. Now we can easily solve this problem. All we need to do is replace the variable with an actual number:

12 x 3 = 36

Therefore, Susan has 36 books.

FREE Algebraic Expressions Worksheets:

This set of worksheets provides practice with both of these steps.

Each problem starts with a set of facts.

For example, one problem states that a worker gets paid $100 dollars a day and $0.50 per mile he drives. We will use this statement to write our algebraic expression.

At this point we don’t know how many miles he has driven, so we will use m to represent how many miles he drives.

Now when I look at the statement I know that I will have to multiply the miles he drives by $0.50.

m x $0.50 or 0.5m can be used.

But I’m not done. I also know he gets $100 per day. So I need to add $100 to my algebraic expression.

This makes my expression: 0.5m + 100

Evaluate:

Now let’s evaluate this algebraic expression.

The next line tells me how many miles he drove –> 245 miles.

So we evaluate the expression with 245 miles. This gives us:

(0.5 x 245) + 100

Following order of operations, we multiply first, and then add another $100:

0. 5 x 245 = 122.5

122.5 + 100 = 222.5

Therefore, the driver made $222.5 that day.

That’s it. Now you have a simple activity to get your young ones working on writing algebraic expressions and then evaluating them.

If you enjoy this lesson, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging math lessons like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Find more resources to help kids understand algebra vocabulary and translate algebraic expressions here.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab this FREE set of Writing Algebraic Expressions Worksheets!}

About the author: Rachel is a homeschool mom to four little ones, ages 2 to 6. She is a former public elementary teacher, and has recently begun blogging at her page You’ve Got This.

The post Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

How to Introduce Factoring Polynomials

When I taught Algebra, I tried to introduce any new concept using simple whole numbers. I wanted to remind students of the underlying mathematical concepts so that hopefully they would see how that translates to algebraic expressions with variables.

Because the underlying concept of multiplication is the same, whether you have whole numbers, fractions or x + y.

So did my students think it was silly for me to remind them how to find the factors of 24? Yes.

Did it help them to see that just like 12 x 2 = 24, the factors (x + 3) (4) = 4x + 12? Yes.

I would also encourage you to use an area model to visualize multiplication so you can see the factors.

Because again, the concept is the same, even when they factors are (x + 3) and (4). To create an area model using variables, I recommend using algebra tiles.

When students are ready to practice finding factors of polynomials on their own, you can pull out these simple cut & paste pages.

Materials Needed for the Factoring Practice Pages:

• Cut & paste page for each student
• Glue sticks
• Scissors

Factoring Polynomials Practice Cut & Paste:

Using these practice pages is fairly straightforward. Each page includes a set of polynomials.

At the bottom are a collection of factors for students to cut out.

They then solve each problem by finding the correct factors and gluing them down below the problem.

And that’s it!

This download includes 4 different practice pages:

• 1 page of quadratics where a = 1
• 1 page of quadratics where a is >1
• 1 page of polynomials with 4 terms to practice solving by grouping
• 1 page of sum & difference of cubes

It also includes answer keys for each page, making this easy for you as well!

I hope you enjoy this set of factoring polynomials practice pages!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the Factoring Polynomials Practice pages}

Looking for more Algebra resources? Try one of the following:

• Quadratic Equations Project
• Solving Equations Valentine’s Activity Set
• Algebra Vocabulary Practice
• Tic Tac Math: Algebra (solving equations)

The post {FREE} Factoring Polynomials Practice: Cut & Paste Pages appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

This set of problems can be used in a lot of different ways and will give your kids a context for using and applying the formula.

If Pythagorean theorem is still new for your kids, you may want to start with these introductory lessons.

These real life examples provide further context and give space for kids to draw pictures and show their thinking.

Once they feel more confident, this set of Pythagorean theorem word problems task cards can help reinforce their understanding. Plus, it provides an opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem solving!

–>Pssst! Do your students need help breaking down and solving word problems? You might like this set of editable word problem templates! Use with any grade and any type of word problem:

Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems Set:

This download includes a set of 6 task cards. Each card includes a word problem that requires kids to use the Pythagorean theorem to solve.

Some of the problems ask for the length of one of the sides of the given right triangle, while a couple of the problems are actually two-step problems. This means using the Pythagorean theorem is a necessary step, but doesn’t provide the final answer.

Also included is a recording page. On this page, kids have space to draw a picture (ideal for these types of problems) and show their thinking. Then there is space for them to write the final answer.

Finally, there is a teaching tips page with examples and ideas for how to use the task cards, plus an answer key, making this super easy on you, the teacher!

To Prepare the Task Cards:

First, print the page of task cards. I suggest printing on card stock and laminating them for durability.

Cut out the cards, then print a recording page for each student.

Now you’re ready to decide how to use them!

How to Use the Pythagorean Theorem Task Cards:

Task cards are a fun way to practice because they can be used in whole class or small group games, or as individual review.

To play as a whole class or small group, use them in a game of scoot. This means each card is at a different “station” around the room.

Kids then (probably in small groups of 2-3) make their way around the room, solving each problem. You set a timer for each station and then call out, “Scoot!” to let kids know it’s time to move to the next problem.

You could also include the entire set as a single math station. Then when kids get to the station, they work through as many task card problems as they can, recording their answers.

This could also be used with small groups who need more review or intervention with you, or as individual practice at home as homework.

However you work the problems into your math routine, I hope it helps your kids see the benefits of math in real life!

Want to grab this free set of Pythagorean theorem word problems? Just click the link below to grab them in my shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab this set of Pythagorean Theorem Word Problem Task Cards!}

More Pythagorean Theorem Resources:

• Proving the Pythagorean Theorem with LEGO Bricks
• Real Life Pythagorean Theorem Practice

The post {FREE} Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems Task Cards appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which help support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here.*

Learning the Pythagorean Theorem: 

Kids are usually exposed to the Pythagorean Theorem in middle school or Pre-Algebra. Although reciting the theorem is not difficult:

a² + b² = c², where a and b are the sides of a right triangle and c is the hypoteneuse

actually understanding what that means and applying it to solve problems is quite a different matter.

To solve problems using Pythagorean Theorem, kids will need to understand squaring numbers and finding square roots.

They also need to understand what a right triangle is and how to evaluate and solve equations.

But even if you give kids all the necessary numbers and show them step by step how to solve an equation using Pythagorean Theorem, it will just be a bunch of meaningless numbers to them.

It will seem like a pointless exercise, where once again math is completely irrelevant to their everyday life.

We don’t want kids to feel that way, though! Especially not about a fundamentally important and useful theorem such as this.

Pythagorean Theorem Practice in the Real World: 

To fight against this notion, I’ve created a simple set of problems that give kids practice with the Pythagorean Theorem, but more importantly show them why this theorem is beautiful and necessary.

We can use the Pythagorean Theorem to find lengths and distances of all sorts of questions in our everyday life.

And when we show kids that it is relevant, then practicing the Pythagorean Theorem will not feel pointless and boring!

This set of Pythagorean Theorem practice pages includes 3 problems for kids to visualize, think about and solve using the theorem.

The first discusses the layout of a baseball diamond, and challenges kids to find the distance from second base to home. Kids who love baseball will enjoy this challenge, and it will hopefully spark other math questions for them as they consider a game of baseball!

The next problem is about television sets. This is important for anyone wanting to make the right decision about which t.v. to buy, because you need to know if it will fit in the space that you have.

In this problem, kids learn that t.v.’s are measured by their diagonal, and have to find the length of a given television set.

Finally, there is a slightly more challenging problem, which will really require kids to think about the whole situation.

This problem involves a firetruck with a ladder of only 100 feet long. Because the truck is parked 25 feet away from the building, they have to determine how high the ladder can actually reach.

This problem is based on several articles about the safety of high rise apartments and condos, when people realize that a fire truck ladder can’t actually reach the top stories. [Read more here]

Although this is often shocking and concerning news to people, there are other fire safety precautions in place, making those very high condos perfectly safe in the event of a fire.

Using the Pythagorean Theorem Practice Pages:

Each problem in this download includes a one page snapshot for kids to learn and solve the problem. It starts with relevant and interesting facts. They may or may not need these as they solve the problem.

In the middle section, kids draw a sketch of the situation and label all the measurements. It’s important for kids to see a picture of what they’re thinking about so they know where the right angle is, and therefore what side is the hypotenuse.

Finally, in the bottom space kids write out an equation and solve it to answer the given question.

Depending on your kids and your situation, you could put kids into 3 small groups and let them work together to solve one of these problems.

Or you could assign everyone the same problem and let them work on it individually (in class or at home).

But I would certainly pick at least one of the problems to discuss as a class. Take time to draw a sketch of the situation. Then have kids label everything they know. Finally, ask kids how the Pythagorean Theorem helped them to solve the problem.

Proving the Pythagorean Theorem:

Another fun way to explore this theorem is to challenge kids to prove it. This might seem daunting to you, or above the ability of your students, but it’s really quite doable when you use geometry.

Further explaining and visualizing the theorem will help kids not only remember it, but deepen their understanding of it.

Find a quick and easy way to prove Pythagorean Theorem in this post.

And of course, enjoy exploring math in the real world with this problem set!

When your kids are finished and confident, challenge them to create their own example problem using the Pythagorean Theorem!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Pythagorean Theorem Practice Pages!}

Fun Books to Read Along with Pythagorean Theorem: 

• What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis
• Pythagoras and the Ratios: A Math Adventure by Julie Ellis

The post Real World Pythagorean Theorem Practice {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.