Have Fun With Numerical Expressions!

Are your students learning how to analyze word problems and write matching expressions? Understanding different situations and scenarios will help students understand those key math phrases to help them create mathematical expressions. Teach Starter has an engaging riddle worksheet for your students to practice this skill! 

Students analyze the phrase or word story and decide which expression fits out of the provided options. They will then write the matching letter above the number at the bottom of the page to determine the math joke’s answer. There are 2 versions of this resource, notated with 1 and 2 stars in the upper right-hand corner of the worksheet. 

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Challenge students to make a memory match game using phrases and expressions. Have students create a game where 3 descriptions match the provided expression, but one is incorrect. Then, they can hang them up and do a gallery walk or trade with a classmate.

For students who need additional support, encourage them to draw pictures representing each scenario to help them determine the numerical expression representing that situation. Additionally, this activity can be completed in a 1-on-1 or small group setting.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. There is also a digital version of this worksheet if you choose to assign it to your students in Google Classroom. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator.

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Additive & Multiplicative Patterns – Worksheet

Recognize the difference between additive and multiplicative numerical patterns given in a table or graph with this worksheet.

teaching resource

Multiplicative & Additive Patterns – Match-Up

Practice identifying equations and finding unknown values in input-output tables with this match-up activity.

teaching resource

Algebraic Expressions & Equations – Worksheet

Write algebraic expressions and equations for 6 different word problems with this worksheet.