One-Step Equations Practice

Introducing the perfect tool to help your students master one-step equations with addition and subtraction – our set of 24 task cards!

Designed to engage and challenge students, each card presents a unique equation that requires careful thinking and problem-solving skills to solve. These cards are suitable for 6th-grade students and will help them build confidence and proficiency in solving one-step equations.

Each card features a clear and concise equation that is easy to read and understand, along with a recording sheet for students to show their work and write out their answers. With these task cards, your students will understand the fundamentals of one-step equations, laying a strong foundation for future math learning. Equations use a combination of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

Through this activity, students will show they can solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations.

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 set of task cards to enhance learning through guided math groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

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, consider completing this activity with the help of a peer tutor or in a 1-on-1 setting with a teacher.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

If there are students in need of an additional challenge, encourage them to create a list of one-step equations for a classmate to solve.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answer in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

👋 Exit Ticket 

Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on a sheet of paper, sticky note, or their notebook. 

Make sure to check out some of our other resources that cover one-step equations!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or 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. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

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 Teach Starter Collaborator.

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

teaching resource

One-Step Equations (Addition and Subtraction) – Worksheet

Explore pre-algebra concepts by adding and subtracting whole numbers, decimals, and fractions with this one-step equations worksheet.