Plug in Equations

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is designed to practice algebraic substitution with negative numbers and involves a cipher-decoding element for added engagement. Students are given various algebraic expressions with one or two variables (labeled ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘x’, and ‘y’) and are asked to solve each expression by substituting the given values for these variables. Each solved expression corresponds to a letter in the Answer Box, which in turn will reveal a hidden message when the expressions are solved correctly. The variables are set to negative numbers in some instances, providing specific practice with negative values in algebraic contexts.

The worksheet aims to teach students how to substitute negative numbers into algebraic expressions and simplify the results. This exercise enhances students’ understanding of how negative numbers behave in different algebraic operations. The process of decoding a message by matching answers to letters serves as a motivational tool, encouraging accuracy in solving the expressions. By completing the worksheet, students not only practice their algebra skills but also experience an immediate reward for their correct calculations through the unraveling of the hidden message.