Equation Riddle
Project Description
This project is a way to learn about solving equations and have some fun at the
same time.
1) You will create or find a joke or riddle that has a short answer of one or two
words totaling from a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 12 letters in length.
N.B. Your teacher must approve all riddles and answers.
2) Using the letters of your riddle answer as variables, you will create algebraic
equations that will be used to SOLVE your riddle.
The value of the solution will determine the position of the letter in the answer.
For example, an equation with an answer of p = 3 means that p is the 3rd letter in
the riddle answer. See the sample project for more examples. The equations must
be single variable equations of the type we have worked on in class.
You should have a good mix of easy-to-hard equations that require all
operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and the
simplification techniques we learned (combine like terms, distribution).
Your project will also include TWO equations that are not part of the riddle
answer. The numeric value of these solutions should be a negative number, so as
not to be included in the riddle answer. For example, if your riddle answer has 9
letters, you should have a total of 11 equations. All solutions should be integer
values.
See the attached sample project for examples.
See other side for
Grading Rubric
Equation Riddle Project
Deliverables & Grading Rubric
Projects may be typed or hand-written (or a combination of both), and should be
neat and easy to read. After your project is complete, some of your classmates
will have a chance to solve your riddle.
A COMPLETED PROJECT WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:
A RIDDLE PAGE (8.5 by 11 sheet of paper) without answers. Equations
1 should be challenging at about the same level of difficulty that we have been
working with in class.
An ANSWER KEY that includes a solution for each equation and the answer
2 to the joke or riddle. List the “best first step” (see examples) that can be used to
solve each equation.
A DETAIL SOLUTION PAGE that includes a detailed solution for each
3 equation. Your detail solution should use the “best first step” that is specified
on your ANSWER KEY page.
GRADING RUBRIC
Accuracy of Answer Key page 10 points
Accuracy of Detail Solution page 10
Challenging mix of equations 10
Creativity/ Neatness/ Organization 10
Due Date Met 10
Total 50 points
Project Due Date (A-Day): Tuesday, June 12th
(B-Day): Wednesday, June 13th
Name ________________________________________
Equation Riddle Project
RIDDLE PAGE Date ________________________ Period ________
“What do you call a potato that reads the news?”
Operation or technique that is the
Equation Solution
BEST FIRST STEP
−14c = −14
8e + 4e = 120
3t − 22 = −1
2r + 37 = 59
7 + 3m = 19
8(6 + o) = 88
n
3=
2
14o = 28
6m − 4m = 6
a − (−10) = 18
−7 p = 28
2t + 19 = 37
m − 34 = −37
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ – _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Name ________________________________________
Equation Riddle Project
ANSWER KEY Date ________________________ Period ________
“What do you call a potato that reads the news?”
Operation or technique that is the
Equation Solution
BEST FIRST STEP
−14c = −14 c =1 Divide both sides by –14
8e + 4e = 120 e = 10 Combine Like Terms
3t − 22 = −1 t=7 Add 22 to both sides
2r + 37 = 59 r = 11 Subtract 37 from both sides
7 + 3m = 19 m=4 Subtract 7 from both sides
8(6 + o) = 88 o=5 Distribute
n
3= n=6 Multiply both sides by 2
2
14o = 28 o=2 Divide both sides by 14
6m − 4m = 6 m=3 Combine Like Terms
a − (−10) = 18 . a =8 Rewrite – (-10) to +10
−7 p = 28 p = −4 Divide both sides by -7
2t + 19 = 37 t =9 Subtract 19 from both sides
m − 34 = −37 m = −3 Add 34 to both sides
C O M M O N - T A T E R
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Name ________________________________________
EQUATION RIDDLE PROJECT
Date ________________________ Period ________
Operation or technique that is the
Equation Solution
BEST FIRST STEP