teaching resource

Writing Equations – Match Up Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  19 Apr 2023

Practice matching word sentences to equations with variables with this 36-card match-up activity.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grade

    Grade:  6

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teaching resource

Writing Equations – Match Up Activity

  • Updated

    Updated:  19 Apr 2023

Practice matching word sentences to equations with variables with this 36-card match-up activity.

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Non-Editable

    Non-Editable:  PDF

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Grade

    Grade:  6

Practice matching word sentences to equations with variables with this 36-card match-up activity.

6th-Grade Math Practice

Looking for a fun and engaging way to help your 6th-grade students practice matching equations with variables and how to articulate them with words?

Teach Starter has created an activity that is designed to challenge your students and reinforce their understanding of matching equations with variables to their written counterparts. Some of the examples your students will encounter include the following:

  • 1.25 multiplied by a number is 10 (1.25n = 10)
  • 77 is the product of 38.5 and a number (38.5n = 77)
  • A number taken away from 75 is 5 (75 – n = 5)

Please note that the focus of this resource is to help students become familiar with using mathematical language to describe how variables and operations work together.

To play, students simply match up the equation card with the card that has a word sentence that matches it. With 36 different equation and word sentence cards, there are plenty of opportunities for students to practice and reinforce their skills. And because the cards are designed to be reusable, you can use this activity again and again in your classroom.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

For students who need additional support, allow them to complete this activity with a peer or teacher’s help. Additionally, you can provide students with a list of key words to help them remember which words signify each operation.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students needing an additional challenge, encourage them to use a different word sentence to express each expression.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the color PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 


This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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