This section starts out with some fun math riddles. As you advance through the worksheets (by scrolling down) you will be asked to write equations for given situations. The writing equations problems will start with basic geometric problems and advance into full blown word problems. We want students to get in the habit of writing equations to solve all their word problems. This is a monumental skill that will propel their high school math careers. The take away here is learning how to convert word problems into algebraic equations. Two complete sets of worksheets introduce your students to the concept of deriving algebraic equations from context word clues, provide examples, short practice sets, longer sets of questions, and quizzes. Included on this page are activity sheets (riddles) for students to practice relating numbers to corresponding letters, and worksheets teaching how to create variable expressions and inequalities from statements.
Print Math Symbols Worksheets
Click the buttons to print each worksheet and associated answer key.
Making Change For A Dollar Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
The Insect Eating Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
The Funky Headphone Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
The Great "-mt" Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
The Ratty Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
Sleepy Riddle
This is fun worksheet asks students to find the letter that corresponds with the number shown in order to answer the riddle.
Words into Symbols Lesson
Follow the steps to learn how to write an equation from a word problem. Example:
The width of a rectangle is w, and its length is 3 cm less than its width. The perimeter of the rectangle is 52 cm. What is the rectangle's width and length?
Writing Variable Expression Worksheet
For each, make a variable expression for the empty line. Example: The amount of months in n years is _______________.
Using Symbols In Equations
Write an equation for each given situation, then solve it and check it. Example: The sum of an integer and the next consecutive integer is 39. What are the integers?
Empty Lines Expressions
Write your own variable expressions on the empty lines that we have provided with these statements. Example: The rectangle's width is w and its height is 8 more than its width. Its perimeter is ______________.
Warm Up
Write an equation for each given situation, then solve it and check it. Example: Example: The sum of twice a number plus 11 is 69. Find the number.
Words to Symbols 2 Lesson
Learn how to write the following sentence as a variable expression: Jack is y years old, and Michael is 1/4 as old as Jack will be in six years. Express Michael's age using variable y.
Words in Statements to Symbols
Based on the statement given, write an inequality: The difference of 13 and x is at least two times the sum of x and 4.
Sentences to Expressions
For each, write a variable expression. Example: The quotient of the quantity n + 9 and 3.
Words to Symbols Worksheet
For each, write a variable expression. Example: The sum of two numbers is 26. One number is x. Express the other number in terms of x.
Symbols in Inequalities
For each, write an inequality. Example: 2 divided by the quantity y minus 4 is less than or equal to 6.
Symbols Warm Up
For each, write a variable expression. Example:
If Angel is m years old now, what was her age 5 years ago?
What Are All the Math Symbols?
Mathematics is a subject that does not exist without symbols. There are so many symbols in the field it isn't easy to keep up. However, with a lot of practice over the years, students have become apt at identifying all math symbols.
For students who want all the symbols in one place, we will look into all the math symbols, their names, and what they stand for with given examples in a tabulated form in this post.
Different Operation Symbols Found in Math Equation
Mathematical symbols are the key to solving the relationship between different quantities. These operations are why mathematics is a science subject because operations allow the calculation and measurement of quantities. Here, we will look into the different operation symbols found in math equations and how to use them by looking at the examples.
≠ (not equal sign)
The sign of inequality tells that two quantities are unequal, such as 3 ≠ 7.
= (equal sign)
It shows two quantities are equal like, 5 = 1 + 4.
< (strict inequality)
It shows an unequal relationship between two numbers, 7 is less than 12, and 7 < 12.
> (strict inequality)
It shows an unequal relationship between two quantities, 5 is greater than 2, 5 > 2.
≤ (less than or equal inequality)
It shows an unequal relationship between two numbers, but the inequality can be less than or equal to a ≤ b, which means b = a or b > a, but not vice-versa.
≥ (greater than or equal inequality)
It shows an unequal relationship between two quantities, but the inequality can be greater than or equal to, such as a ≥ b, which means a = b or a > b, but vice-versa is invalid.
[ ] brackets
This is in the equation to tell us that calculate the expression inside the bracket first, which is the rule of operations.
Example: [4×5] + 8 = 20 + 8 = 28
( ) parentheses
Another form of the bracket, but if the bracket is there in the equation, the parentheses must be inside the bracket, and hence expression in there be solved first.
Example: [3 × (3 + 7)] - 9 = [3 × 10] - 9 = 30 - 9 = 21.
- minus sign
The operation of subtraction means to cut. A quantity is subtracted from another.
Example: 5 - 2 = 3
+ plus sign
It is an indication of addition for two quantities.
Example: 4 + 5 = 9
± (plus - minus)
It means that both minus and operations are to be performed.
Example:1 ± 4 = -3 and 5
× times sign
It means to multiply different two or more quantities. The numbers can be the same or distinct.
Example: 4 × 3 = 12
÷ division sign/obelus
The sign is used between two quantities to divide one by another, such as 15 ÷ 5 = 3. Here 15 is divided by 5, which means 3 times 5 will add up to 15.
- horizontal line
The line represents the division in fraction form. This is a fraction 9/3 it is equal to 3, and it also means to divide 9÷3 = 3.
/ division slash
Another way to represent the division in an equation is slash.
Example: 6 ⁄ 2 = 3
ab power
The b here is the power of the base "a." It means to take the exponent, multiplying the quantity "a," b times with itself.
Example: 24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16.
. period or decimal point
The decimal between two numbers indicates that the numbers after the decimal are part of the quantity before the decimal.
Example: 5.36 = 5 + (36/100). Here, 36 is in between 5 and 6 on the number line.
√ a square root
The symbol represents taking the square root of a number, such as √9 = ±3. The answer is always a positive and a negative value.
% percent
It is the part out of hundred pieces.
Example: 1% = 1/100 or 10% × 30 = 3