Standard Form of Linear Equations Word Problems

Have you noticed the collective moan that echoes through your classroom as soon as the phrase “word problems” comes out of your mouth? This standard form of linear equations activity is differentiated to challenge or support your students through the problem-solving process and complete these word problems independently.

There are TWO VERSIONS for differentiated learning. The second version has more prompting questions to walk the students through the problems.

The students will:

✅ define variables

✅ create linear equations in standard form

✅ understand budgeting

✅ substitute given values to solve problems

✅ think critically and use reasoning to solve problems

☆Answer key included☆

What is the scenario?

This application will take your students through budgeting a day at an amusement park by making their own choices and determining how they will spend their money.

How is this real life application different from 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 real world algebra application:

⭐Whole Group: This real world math activity is perfect for guided notes and introducing writing linear equations in standard form before starting your linear systems unit.

⭐Small Group: Your students can work together to complete this activity and have discussions about different strategies for writing expressions from diagrams.

⭐ 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.