Learning to solve inequalities takes quite a lot of practice to build confidence and mastery. This solve inequalities practice set includes silly riddles to make it more fun!
I find that a lot of textbooks barely skim the surface when it comes time to solve linear inequalities. After all, once students are comfortable solving linear equations, this is just more of the same, right? Wrong! Inequalities are more complex and have greater depth of meaning than equations, and although the algebra involved in solving them may look similar, it takes a lot of work to actually understand what’s going on. Plus, students have to know when to “flip the inequality symbol.” What does that even mean, and why do we do it? But once you’ve done the hard work of sense-making and students are ready to practice, grab these silly riddle pages for Low-Prep Solve Inequalities Practice.
Understanding the Solution to Inequalities:
One of the biggest differences between a linear equation and an inequality is the solution.
In both cases, the solution is the value(s) that make(s) the statement true.
However, most students are used to solving an equation in which exactly one number makes the equation true. (Yes, a linear equation can also have no solution or infinite solutions, but in early middle school students are solving an equation to find exactly one number that makes it true).
An inequality, on the other hand, will have a whole range of numbers that make the statement true.
For example, if the solution is x < 2, that means that the solution is not 2. The solution is ANY number that is less than 2. So it could be 1.9. It could be 0. It could be -100.
It’s important that as students solve inequalities they model the solution on a number line so they can visualize the entire set of numbers that makes the inequality true.
Although this set of riddles practice pages do not include number lines, you may want to have students sketch a number line next to each solution as well so they can show you they understand the solution and what set of numbers is part of the solution.
Solve Inequalities Practice Pages: Easy to Differentiate
This download includes 3 practice pages, gradually increasing in difficulty.
You will find the following inequalities to solve:
- Solve one-step inequalities (use with 6th or 7th grade)
- Solve two-step inequalities (use with 7th or 8th grade)
- Solve multi-step inequalities (use with 8th or 9th grade)
If you have students who are struggling or need to get back to the basics, start with the first page of one-step inequalities.
But if you have more advanced students who are ready for a challenge, let them try the multi-step page! This page includes variables on both sides of the inequality symbol as well as the distributive property.
Plus, as students solve each inequality they can self-check as they look for the solution at the bottom of the page to determine the answer to the silly riddle!
If you’re looking for resources to teach solving inequalities, check out Math Geek Mama+, our ad-free option that includes inquiry lessons to help students make sense of algebra topics such as solving inequalities.
There are visual lessons to help students see and understand what inequalities mean and WHY the inequality symbol flips.
Plus, you’ll find more engaging and easy to use practice pages like this one!
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Ready to use these riddle pages with your students? Just use the link below to grab it in my shop.
{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Solve Inequalities Practice with Silly Riddles!}
Plus, find more resources for solving equations and inequalities at the links below:
