Algebra Basics

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    Solve for X!

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    Easy

    Nice warm-up

    Medium

    A bit trickier

    Hard

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    About This Game

    Take the first steps into algebra with approachable, scaffolded problems. Children solve for an unknown variable in simple equations, building the abstract thinking skills that are essential for secondary school mathematics. Visual support and instant feedback make algebra less intimidating.

    Top Tip

    To find the unknown, do the opposite operation to both sides. If the equation says x + 3 = 7, subtract 3 from both sides to find x = 4.

    Skills You Are Practising
    • Solving for unknowns
    • Balancing equations
    • Variable understanding
    • Inverse operations
    • Abstract mathematical thinking
    In the real world

    Unknowns in algebra become unknowns in budgeting (“how much can I spend?”) and science formulas later on.

    For parents & teachers
    • Connect to missing number problems the child already knows: '? + 4 = 9 is the same as x + 4 = 9 — the letter x is just a fancy question mark'
    • Teach the balance method: 'Whatever you do to one side of the equals sign, you must do to the other side'
    • Use concrete examples: 'I have some sweets in a bag plus 3 on the table, and altogether there are 10 — can you find x?'
    • Praise the process: 'I love how you wrote down the steps — that is exactly how mathematicians work'

    Who it suits: Algebra basics games are appropriate for Grades 5-7 (ages 10-13) as an introduction to formal algebra. Children who are confident with missing number problems (for example, ? + 4 = 9) are ready for this next step of using letter variables. Grade 7 students preparing for secondary school will find this game particularly valuable.

    Australian Curriculum v9.0

    This game practises these content descriptions. Tap a code to see its full wording and other games for it.

    • AC9M3A01 (Year 3 Mathematics) recognise and explain the connection between addition and subtraction as inverse operations, apply to partition numbers and find unknown values in number sentences
    • AC9M4A01 (Year 4 Mathematics) find unknown values in numerical equations involving addition and subtraction, using the properties of numbers and operations
    • AC9M5A02 (Year 5 Mathematics) find unknown values in numerical equations involving multiplication and division using the properties of numbers and operations
    • AC9M6A02 (Year 6 Mathematics) find unknown values in numerical equations involving brackets and combinations of arithmetic operations, using the properties of numbers and operations
    • AC9M7A03 (Year 7 Mathematics) solve one-variable linear equations with natural number solutions; verify the solution by substitution
    • AC9M7N01 (Year 7 Mathematics) describe the relationship between perfect square numbers and square roots, and use squares of numbers and square roots of perfect square numbers to solve problems

    Find games for any curriculum code

    About Algebra Basics

    Take the first steps into algebra with approachable, scaffolded problems. Children solve for an unknown variable in simple equations, building the abstract thinking skills that are essential for secondary school mathematics. Visual support and instant feedback make algebra less intimidating.

    Skills Practised

    • •Solving for unknowns
    • •Balancing equations
    • •Variable understanding
    • •Inverse operations
    • •Abstract mathematical thinking

    How to Play

    Each question presents an equation with an unknown variable. Work out the value of the variable and select it from the answer choices.

    Top Tip

    To find the unknown, do the opposite operation to both sides. If the equation says x + 3 = 7, subtract 3 from both sides to find x = 4.

    In the real world

    Algebra is the language of mathematics. All of the specific topics in secondary school maths — geometry, statistics, physics, chemistry, economics — use algebraic notation and reasoning. Children who enter secondary school with confident algebraic thinking have a significant advantage over those who are encountering abstract variables for the first time. Starting early with simple unknowns builds familiarity and reduces the anxiety that algebra often creates.

    Who Should Play This?

    Algebra basics games are appropriate for Grades 5-7 (ages 10-13) as an introduction to formal algebra. Children who are confident with missing number problems (for example, ? + 4 = 9) are ready for this next step of using letter variables. Grade 7 students preparing for secondary school will find this game particularly valuable.

    Tips for Parents and Teachers

    • •Connect to missing number problems the child already knows: '? + 4 = 9 is the same as x + 4 = 9 — the letter x is just a fancy question mark'
    • •Teach the balance method: 'Whatever you do to one side of the equals sign, you must do to the other side'
    • •Use concrete examples: 'I have some sweets in a bag plus 3 on the table, and altogether there are 10 — can you find x?'
    • •Praise the process: 'I love how you wrote down the steps — that is exactly how mathematicians work'

    Common Difficulties

    Many children find the concept of a letter standing for an unknown number unsettling at first — they want to know what x is before they start. Emphasise that solving an equation is the process of finding out what the unknown is. Another common difficulty is forgetting to perform the same operation on both sides of the equation. Encouraging children to physically write out each step (even if it seems obvious) builds the reliable habits needed for more complex algebra.