Equations trail

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Contributor: Bob Jackson
Equations trail
Main Subject
Key stage
Category
Algebra: Linear equations
Inside
Includes answers
Resource type
Student activity

Students choose a path through the maze of linear equations from the start to finish, moving from one adjacent square to another (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) and solving the equations as they go. Equations include ones with the unknown on both sides, brackets and fractions.

If they take the most direct route, the equations are more difficult. The answers are often fractional to promote students writing fractional answers rather than incorrectly rounded decimal answers (a common cause of dropped marks in exams).

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

Thank you for that! It should all be correct now.

Camilla Clarkson

09/04/2019

I think the errors pointed out are still on the pdf version of this resource. I downloaded it today and there are still there.

Helen Crosbie

22/03/2019

Thanks for pointing out the errors. They have now been amended.

Neil Hendry

15/12/2016

Great resource and go for independent learning/choices.
I have also discovered two more mistakes with the solutions however. Third column from the left and four down. (3x+1)/2 = (x-5)/7 Solution should be x = -17/19.
And the one to the right of this one. 3(2x+1)/2 = (x-5)/7 Solution should be x = -31/40

A Okeowo

12/12/2016

Thank you for that! It should all be correct now.

Camilla Clarkson

09/04/2019

I think the errors pointed out are still on the pdf version of this resource. I downloaded it today and there are still there.

Helen Crosbie

22/03/2019

Thanks for pointing out the errors. They have now been amended.

Neil Hendry

15/12/2016

Great resource and go for independent learning/choices.
I have also discovered two more mistakes with the solutions however. Third column from the left and four down. (3x+1)/2 = (x-5)/7 Solution should be x = -17/19.
And the one to the right of this one. 3(2x+1)/2 = (x-5)/7 Solution should be x = -31/40

A Okeowo

12/12/2016

Actually, the equation 10c=3c can be solved as the solution is c=0. A problem occurs because as the solution is c=0 we are dividing by zero in the original equation, which isn't possible. I've adapted the question to read 3c/2=5c which reduces to 10c=3c and so has the same solution (c=0), but there is no worry of division by zero occurring.

18/07/2016

I have discovered a problem with this resource. on the second row, middle column, it is an impossible question. once you go through the cross multiplication, you get 10c = 3c which simply isn't possible

22/06/2016

This is an excellent resource. I like the fact that students can choose their route to suit their ability/confidence in solving equations.

19/06/2016

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