Tic-Tac-Toe Equations & Inequalities

Algebra is an important part of every middle school student's math work. Try a new approach to working with variables and equations as you play these Tic-Tac-Toe games. Practice is essential in order to master any skill, and this activity is a fun way to go about it! Scroll down to the "Terms to Know" information and "Math Review" at the bottom of the page for help.

What You Need:

• One Tic-Tac-Toe game board
  •     Print out the Equations game board.
  •     Print out the Inequalities game board.
  •     Print out a blank game board, and fill it in yourself.
• A pencil/crayon/marker
• Scratch paper and pencils

What You Do:

1. Decide which player will use Xs and which player will use Os.
2. Take turns selecting boxes and solving for the variables within them.
3. If a player gives a correct answer, they may claim the box by putting either an X or an O inside of it. For every correct answer, a player also receives 100 points.
4. When a player has attained three boxes in any row, column, or diagonal, they receive an additional 100 points.
5. Play until all of the squares have been claimed. The player with the most points, wins.

Terms to Know:

equation: a mathematical statement that uses an equals sign to show the relationship between two expressions (e.g. 3x + 4 = 7)

inequality: a mathematical statement that may use a greater than or less than symbol to show the relationship between two expressions (e.g. 3y+ 4 < 7)

variable: a letter or symbol used to represent a number (e.g. x)

Math Review:

In order to solve for an equation or inequality, you must manipulate it in order to get the variable alone on one side. For example, in the equation 5x + 3 = 7x, you would first subtract 5x from each side of the equation. The new equation would be 3 = 2x. Next, you would divide both sides by 2, so that x may stand alone. The solution to this equation is 1.5 = x.