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by Cindy Donaldson
Topics: Math, High School
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We’re all familiar with the classic symbols of mathematics, operators like “+” and “–”. But how should you interpret an operator like “&” or “@?”  The SAT often uses signs like those, and they can seem like symbols from a very foreign language.

But even though they look mysterious, they’re just waiting for your student to decipher them. Here’s an activity that will help her figure out the meaning of strange operators by understanding how to use the code key.

What You Need

  • A pencil

  • A piece of paper

  • A copy of the phrase to be decoded.

  • 2 or more players

  • Candy or another small prize

What You Do:
1. Give your teen this code key:

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2)      Have her use the Code Key to decipher this phrase: