Sharon's Problem Solving

This product includes puzzles and activities for the review of the following topics: Direct Variation Algebraic Expressions Slope-Intercept Form Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Linear Equations

Complete the Square Activities: Practice the Process includes illustrated directions to use Algebra Tiles for equations that are perfect squares and those that are not. Practice problems are included along with two process related activities. A challenge problem requires students to complete the square for the general case. Answer keys are included for all problems and activities.

The Pizza Problem: Quadratic Investigations offers students the opportunity to create a quadratic pattern through an activity. Students will then use quadratic procedures to further analyze the pattern. Topics included:Finite differences System of equations Quadratic Formula Graphing quadratics Quadratic inequality Transformations and Translations Line of Symmetry An answer key and rubric have been provided.

The Parallel and Perpendicular Line Puzzle, Matching and Tangram Activities provide students with two opportunities for practice. The puzzle asks students to follow a path of word problems to solve. The matching activity requires students to match the required equation. In the Tangram Activities, students must write and identify equations for parallel and perpendicular lines from a graph. All activities can be solved independently or cooperatively. They can be used as a formative assessment, ac

The Slope-Intercept Form Maze activity offers students the opportunity to have a choice in the coordinates used while given the slope. Students will follow the path to find each equation and decode a word. In the Graphing Activity, students are asked to graph equations using slope-intercept form. The equations with interval notation will form the image of a sailboat. Topics used in the activities: The distributive propertynegative and positive integersslope-intercept formrational numbersgraphi

The Vertex Word Problem activity includes a scoring rubric and answer key that can be used by the teacher and/or student. The problem asks students to compare three equations for their maximum height and distance between x-intercepts. The activity can be used as a formative or summative assessment. The Vertex Form Matching activity includes a pdf version with an answer bank. The answer key is included. The topics included in the problem: Vertex formStandard formVertexy-interceptQuadratic formu

The Complete the Square Activity offers students the opportunities to complete a hands-on activity online. Students will be asked to create perfect squares by "completing the square". Students will connect the process of completing the square to vertex form. Slides are self-correcting. Additional self-correcting Complete the Square slides have been added so that students can move tiles into the correct order from the beginning equations to their solutions. A new addition to this resource asks

This quadratic activity gives students practice factoring the following: Difference of two squaresPerfect squaresEquations with positive and negative termsThe accompanying answer keys can be used by the student to check their work. There are five different practice sheets with 60 problems total with answer keys with this activity.

The Quadratic Word Problems: Decode the Message activity asks students to set up equations, factor, and solve them. Students must then check their work by solving the puzzle. Additional Quadratic Word Problems and answer keys have been added including The Pizza Problem which includes a rubric. Topics addressed:Quadratic word problems Factoring quadratics Solving quadratics Vertex Domain and range Graphing quadratics System of Equations Quadratic formula Quadratic inequality Transformations and

The Algebra through Geometry Problems ask students to investigate two challenging geometric pattern problems by building quadratic and cubic equations. Students will derive the equations after going through a few guided steps. The rubrics and answer keys can be used by the students and/or teacher. There are three supporting activities that compliment the challenge problems. Topics covered in the problems and activities: Analyze patternsMake charts and tablesFind quadratic equationsUse the cubic

The Shopping Cart Problem is a challenging linear pattern/function problem. Students are asked to complete x/y tables, calculate slope, write linear equations, and solve an equation to maximize a solution. The rubric can be used by the students and/or teacher. The answer key is included. The problem lends itself to TpT Easel and can be completed online.

The Direct Variation Problems and Activities document asks students to investigate, calculate, plot, interpret, and actively engage with the concept. The rubrics can be used by the student and/or teacher. The document can be completed electronically using TpT Easel. The Direct Variation: Decode the Message Puzzle asks students to identify equations, graphs, and patterns that are direct variations. The activity can be used as a formative assessment. Topics Included: Direct Variation EquationsGrap

The Orchard Problem offers a comprehensive review of linear and quadratic methods. It can be assigned in part or in its entirety as a review of problem solving procedures. The Orchard Problem Answer Key and Error Analysis Sheet gives students the opportunity to reflect on and correct their mistakes. The Algebra through Geometry Problem and Rubric is an investigation in quadratic and cubic equations. This problem lends itself to multiple problem solving strategies. The answer key is include