This hands-on activity is perfect for students enrolled in middle school mathematics focusing on pre-algebra skills, or for those needing reinforcement in solving multistep equations.

Content Focus: Students will solve one-variable equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign. (TEKS 8.8C)

• This activity encourages multistep problem solving, and includes an additional steps in the problem solving process.

Activity Overview & Preparations

This activity contains 12 problems with 3 problem-solving steps each. To prepare for this activity, you will print out the problems on paper or cardstock of your choice and copies of the recording sheet for your students. You can then cut out the problem steps into individual pieces, or you can cut out each complete problem. This activity can be used in multiple ways, but check out the two options below. An answer key is provided for the problems.

Activity Option #01: Multistep Equations with Steps

Students are provided the individual pieces. They will work to complete each puzzle step-by-step. As students work through the problem, the puzzle will look like an upside down pyramid! Using the recording sheet, the students will workout the problem with appropriate notations. The puzzle can then be used to check their steps.

• This activity is especially helpful to slow students down and have them focus on the individual steps in the problem-solving process. If you have students that tend to do the math in their head or make mistakes in steps, this can help reinforce the good habits of problem solving.

Activity Option #02: Multistep Equations with Reasons

Students are provided either the full problems (not separated into steps) or the individual pieces for the problems. This activity is focused on justifying the steps that are taken to solve the problem. The recording sheet provides space for students to write the problem down, provide the necessary notations to solve the problem, and then include the reason or justification for each step.

• Teachers, you have the ability to determine what is appropriate justification for each step in your class and based on your student needs!
• This activity is great to focus on justifying answers or steps, and is helpful to students that need assistance in explaining or providing reasons for the steps they complete in the problem solving process.
• This is also a great activity to introduce proofs for Geometry.

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Need additional resources for your classroom? Check out a few other activities!

Solving Multistep Equations with Variables on One-Side - Pyramid Puzzle Activity

Solving Multistep Linear Equations - Pyramid Puzzle Activity

Independent & Dependent Variable Task Cards - Print & Digital Activity

Converting Standard Form to Slope-Intercept Form - Print & Digital Template

[Bundle] Logic Puzzles: Spring Set - Print & Digital Activities