Forget the stress of finding ways to differentiate in your math classroom! This real world math activity will challenge and engage your students in solving multi step and two step equations and writing equations from word problems. There are two differentiated versions of this word problems worksheet.

Level 1 has scaffolded verbal models to prompt your students through writing equations from word problems. Once the students have written the equations, they are asked to make predictions and defend their solutions.

Level 2 requires your students to think critically and problem solve independently.

This real world math application is perfect for group work and collaboration or can be used as a stand-alone formative assessment for your solving multi step equations unit!

Ready to add problem solving skills to your classroom every day? Grab these multi step equations warm ups and exit tickets!

This activity includes:

✅ Writing and solving two step equations from word problems

✅ Substituting values for a variable to solve multi step equations

✅ Writing and solving multi step equations with variables on both sides

✅ Critical thinking questions and reasoning prompts

✅ Two differentiated levels to meet your students where they are at

☆Answer key included☆

What is the real world scenario?

Jenny has recently decided to join a gym to get in share for the upcoming sports season. Like most young adults, she is short on time and money. The table below shows the prices of the two gyms that she is considering.

From this scenario, the students will write and solve various equations based on the cost and time constraints she has given.

How is this real life application different than regular word problems?

Most word problems have one question that needs to be answered and little follow up or detail. My real world math activities stretch one idea or scenario into a meaningful performance task that can be used as a full assessment of student learning. 

This application is more than interpreting the question and quickly getting to the answer. Your students will be challenged to think critically about each scenario and defend their solutions.

The best part? All of the topics are relevant and modernized (because kids don't care about calculating CD sales or cell phone minutes anymore).

How I have used this multi step equations word problems worksheet:

⭐Whole Group: This real world math activity is perfect for guided notes and introducing two step equations word problems.

⭐Small Group: Your students can work together to complete this word problems worksheet and have discussions about different strategies for writing equations from word problems.

⭐ Individual: I have used this activity as a formative assessment for my Algebra 1 students. It usually takes them about one class period to complete on their own.

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Do your students need more practice with multi-step equations? Grab these activities ⬇️

⭐ Solving Multi Step Equations Digital Mystery Picture

⭐ Solving Multi Step Equations Word Problems Task Cards

⭐ Equations with Variables on Both Sides Guided Notes & Practice Worksheets