Activity: Algebra Sandwich

Need to practice some algebra? Need to remember to show your work? Not a problem, lets create an Algebra Sandwich.

I credit this idea to something similar in The Creative Teacher. One of the best books for classroom creativity.

What you will need:

• different colored paper
• scissors
• markers
• stapler

The Contents

Lets think about what goes on a sandwich. For this we will use

• bread (2 pieces)
• mustard
• tomatoes
• mayonnaise
• ham
• cheese
• lettuce

Making the Contents

Using your colored paper and scissors cut out each of the items above, like so:

The Equation

Next, use the following equation to solve for x

2x + 3 + 6x - (-1) = 20

Each piece of your sandwich represents one step of your algebra problem

2x + 3 + 6x - (-1) = 20 (Bread)
(2x + 6x) + (3 + 1) = 20 (Mustard)
8x + 4 = 20 (Tomatos)
8x + 4 - 4 = 20 - 4 (Mayo)
8x = 16 (Cheese)
8x/8 = 16/8 (Ham)
x = 2 (Lettuce)
Showing Work (Bread)

Enjoy!

Finally, staple everything together and eat your algebra sandwich

Activity courtesy of Hands On Math