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
- A pencil/crayon/marker
- Scratch paper and pencils
What You Do:
- Decide which player will use Xs and which player will use Os.
- Take turns selecting boxes and solving for the variables within them.
- 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.
- When a player has attained three boxes in any row, column, or diagonal, they receive an additional 100 points.
- 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.
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