Algebra Worksheets By Specific Topic Area and Level

Beginner and Introduction Level

These problems are a great starting pointing. We work on like terms and learning that their are two sides to an equation.

• Addition and Subtraction 1 - Students solve for x, y, or a. They are all one step equations.
• Addition and Subtraction 2 - These problems use slightly larger numbers than the other version, but they all round well.
• Addition and Subtraction 3 - We use a more odd numbers in this version. We find that students have a more difficult time using basic operations with odd numbers. So this works on those skills.
• Addition and Subtraction Algebra Answers

• Combine Like Terms 1 - Students combine like terms that are located on the same side of the equation. We also have two step versions of these problems available.
• Combine Like Terms 1 - Answer Key
• Combine Like Terms 2 - In this version we tried to use more negative numbers that are added during the like term fusion. Students do find this to be a bit more difficult.
• Combine Like Terms 2 - Answer Key

• One Step Equations 1 - We use a smaller font on this set of worksheets to insure that students have plenty of practice.
• One Step Equations 1 Answers
• One Step Equations 2 - This version includes a lot more negative numbers. It is slightly more challenging than version 1.
• One Step Equations 2 Answers
• One Step Equations 3 - There are a large number of zeros used on this version. Just as a quick reminder of using operations.
• One Step Equations 3 Answers

Intermediate level Algebra

This set of worksheets are designed for students that have some experience with the content area. They should be able to solve one step problems with ease

• Algebra Based Problems 1 - Outside of Cameron's uncle, we find the first three problems to work very well for new comers to algebra. The remaining problems are an introduction to logic and creating equations / expressions.
• Algebra Based Word Problems Worksheet 2 - This set of problems is mostly logic based. These problems don't deal with everyday situations; as most of the other version do.
• Algebra Based Word Problems 3 - Go to love the piggy bank graphic. We see that question 2 trips up a number of students. It's amazing how when you drop a few names of companies that students like; they actually work harder on the problem. Makes you wonder if motivation in education would be different if it was individually tailored to student interests.
• Algebra Based Word Problems 4 - These problems take about 3 to 4 minutes each. They are longer than previous versions of this sheet. This version does command the most reading.
• Algebra Based Word Problems 5 - The early problems are very difficult. The last problem usually takes students ten minutes by itself. Why the dragon? I'm not sure where the authors were going with that clip either.

• Multiplication and Division 1 - We a dot-dot-dash sign for division here on purpose. The core actual calls on the use in that format many times. So we thought it appropriate to challenge students with it here.
• Multiplication and Division 2 - This version introduces decimals into the mix. At first students fear it, but they multiple and divide equally.
• Multiplication and Division 3 - We use decimals again, but in this case they don't equal out to whole numbers every time; as we saw in version 2.
• Multiplication and Division Answers

• Mixed Problem 1 - This set of problems is very straight forward. The are one step problems that serve as a great introduction to algebra.
• Mixed Problem 2 - We throw a few basic two-step problems in this one as a natural progression towards working with dual variables.
• Mixed Problem 3 - This set of problems is definitely more difficult then the previous two versions.
• Mixed Problem Answers

• Two Step Equations 1 | Answers
• Two Step Equations 2 | Answers
• Two Step Equations 3 | Answers

Lesson Plans for Teachers

1. Algebra Lesson Plans- You will these invaluable when tackling this content area.We get rave reviews on that area from teachers all over the world.

Advanced Algebra Worksheets

1. Distributive Property - Students use the distributive property to solve each problem. I just realized how number 7 happy I got with this one, sorry about that.
2. Distributive Property Answers
3. Solving For X and Y 1 - In this set students solve for 2 variable that are in sync with one another.
4. Solving For X and Y 1 Answers
5. Solving For X and Y 2 - We use slightly higher numbers in this version. We are trying to test math stamina a bit more with this version.
6. Solving For X and Y 2 Answers
7. Solving For X and Y 3 - We find that this version takes students 2-3 minutes per problem. It requires a careful hand when dealing with signed numbers.
8. Solving For X and Y 3 Answers
9. Solving Quadratics- Quadratic Formula Simple - This is a great introductory sheet for quadratics. Students just solve each problem.
10. Solving Quadratics- Quadratic Formula Simple Key
11. Solving Quadratics- Quadratic Formula Difficult - These problems require students to do a good number of basic operation steps.
12. Solving Quadratics- Quadratic Formula Difficult Key
13. Xs on Both Sides 1 - Students solve for x, y, or a. They are all one step equations.
14. Xs on Both Sides 1 Answers
15. Xs on Both Sides 2 - We use larger whole numbers on this section.
16. Xs on Both Sides 2 Answers

How to Teach Algebra in a Fun Way

Algebra is one of the most fundamental concepts in mathematics with numerous applications. However, teaching students algebra can be a difficult task for any teacher. If you can't get this right the first time, the rest of your algebra classes can become a nightmare. There would be too much murmuring or deafening silence; both indicate your students are not engaged.

When it comes to introducing algebra, teaching strategies matter a lot. You cannot just introduce x's and y's in maths abruptly. You have to build upon students' existing knowledge and slowly ease them into this world where math meets alphabets.

If you cannot decide how to do so, keep reading below for practical algebra activities that you can carry out in your class today.

Fun Activities to Keep Students Engaged

1. Balancing the pan: Bring a balancing scale to class for a day. Put some known weights in one pan and ask students (individually or in groups) to balance the pan with unknown weights. Once the pans are balanced, ask students to work out the values of unknown weights. This way, students can understand the concept of balancing equations to find unknown values.

2. Relating to real life: Instead of jumping right into x's and y's, try giving them a made-up daily life situation, let's say with cats and dogs:

"A lady owns six pets in total. The cats are two more than dogs. How many cats and dogs do she own?"

Most students are likely to come up with the solution that the lady has four cats and two dogs. Then, you can move forward and relate the variables to cats and dogs. The practice equations would then become interesting for kids to solve.

3. Solving riddles using equations: Here is a classic way of getting students to practice solving equations. Provide an alphabet to each equation and blanks at the bottom of the sheet with corresponding numbers. These blanks will be the riddle your students will solve. Students will solve the equation for the unknown value and place the assigned alphabet on the blank that corresponds with their answer. Gradually, students will fill out the blanks and get to the riddle's answer.

4. Solving hexagon puzzles: This is a multiplayer game in which students are provided with a sheet of hexagon puzzles with algebraic expressions in them and a die. Students take turns rolling the die, and the answer becomes the value for the variable in the expression. The student who rolled the die then chooses which hexagon they would like to answer. The student with the most solved hexagons wins.

5. Using mathematics word wall: Teaching strategies are not enough to learn this subject. You must find a way for your students to revise concepts daily. An easy way is to set up a mathematics word wall. Choose a wall that students spend most of their time looking at. Stick equations, definitions, puzzles, mental math activities, etc., on that wall with colorful backgrounds. This way, your students will be subconsciously recalling their concepts regularly.

Why Is Learning It Important for Your Students?

Students often complain about algebra and throw this question around. Here are some answers for them:

1. It is the building block of statistics and calculus: Statistics and calculus are currently in-demand fields of study due to their importance in research analysis of growing markets. But what are statistics and calculus-based on? That is right, algebra! Line equations, slopes, and parabolas are all calculated with simple knowledge of algebraic equations. And these curves and lines allow companies to set trends and track their growth trajectory.

2. It reinforces critical thinking: Critical thinking and problem-solving are skills recruiters look for when hiring. It helps you practice that in real life. When solving an algebraic problem, students look for the best possible solutions. It forces them to think outside the box, and over time they become used to solving problems critically.

3. It subconsciously helps stay organized: Being organized gets things done on time. It plays a huge role in this. You're forced to reverse engineer when organizing the day or even tasks at hand. This is exactly how algebraic equations are solved. You have an answer, and you're finding the basic value by reverse engineering.

4. It is key to cooking perfectly taste-balanced food: Cooking for a 2-person serving is easy when measurements of ingredients are available in the recipe book. But what happens when you have to cook a feast? It comes in handy. Your brain automatically starts adding and multiplying the ingredients to make a well-balanced dish.

5. It is paramount in playing sports: Some students go on to play professional sports. But do they know how much algebra goes in an athlete's moves? A basketball player needs to throw a ball with speed, and that can be measured with algebra. The trajectory of a ball in baseball is also calculated using algebra. Athletes keep the angles and speeds in mind when aiming to reach their goals.

Algebra can be interesting if your students can grasp the basic concepts. While it can be challenging, changing your teaching strategies can be a great way to overcome learning obstacles. Instead of merely introducing equations to solve, introduce them to concepts with one of the above discussed practical activities to make it fun for them.

Do not approach algebra as a subject; consider it a puzzle. Finding an answer with the clues at hand makes the subject a challenge to conquer. Allow your students to present fun algebra activities that the class can play. This strategy will reinforce their concepts, and you will also be able to judge where they stand.

Most importantly, have fun so that your students can too.