Maths
Algebra and formula matching task
Match six algebra questions with equivalent expressions, then check each pair by substitution, expansion or a graph. The shuffled set includes a challenge prompt and an optional answer page for checking the selected method before trusting the key.
Compare the graph cards, then find their matching expressions in the complete task.
Read the complete materialRead the material
Match six algebra questions with equivalent expressions, then check each pair by substitution, expansion or a graph. The shuffled set includes a challenge prompt and an optional answer page for checking the selected method before trusting the key.
Pupil matching task. Use the preview for diagrams and layout.
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MATCH MODE Β· ALGEBRA CURRICULUM UNIT Algebra Match Lab Algebra Expressions & linear graphs Factorising, simplifying & reading linear equations Name Class Date 1 Connect each expression to its matching form. Draw one clear line from every dot in Column A to one dot in Column B. Use each match once. COLUMN A EXPRESSIONS COLUMN B MATCHES xΒ² + 7x + 12 (x β 4)(x + 3) A 1 xΒ² β x β 12 7x B 2 6 y 3 4 3x + 6 2 C x β2 β3 β2 β1 1 2 3 4 5 2x + 5x (x + 3)(x + 4) D 4 5 6 y y = 2x + 1 4 2 E x Which graph has gradient 2? β2 β4 β3 β2 β1 1 2 3 4 y = βx + 3 3(x + 2) F 6 Which graph falls 1 for every 1 across? β Explain one match Before you finish Pick one match and prove it. Show a substitution, expansion, or one-line explanation. 6 lines No repeats One proof Checked
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MATCH MODE Β· ALGEBRA CURRICULUM UNIT Algebra Match Lab Algebra Expressions & linear graphs Factorising, simplifying & reading linear equations Name Class Date β Teacher answer key Mappings remain correct even if Column B is shuffled. xΒ² + 7x + 12 β (x + 3)(x + 4) xΒ² β x β 12 β (x β 4)(x + 3) A 4 B 1 3x + 6 β 3(x + 2) 2x + 5x β 7x C 6 D 2 6 y 6 y 4 4 y = 2x + 1 β 2 y = βx + 3 β 2 E 5 x F 3 x β2 β2 β4 β3 β2 β1 1 2 3 4 β3 β2 β1 1 2 3 4 5 Reusable logic: each Column A item stores the id of its match. The theme, paper size, orientation and margins are presentation settings only, so subject content stays independent of visual style.
A teaching sequence
Match each algebraic expression or rule to its equivalent expression or graph, and explain one match using a mathematical check.
Make one match each
Ask pupils to work across the two columns and draw one clear line from each expression to a match, using each match once.
Have you used every match once, without crossing to a second answer?
Compare the graph cards, then find their matching expressions in the complete task.
Read the complete materialCompare the structures
Encourage learners to inspect structure: factorise an expression, simplify like terms or compare the slope and intercept shown by a graph.
Which slope, intercept or algebraic form rules out an alternative?
Justify a chosen pair
Select one pair and use the printed challenge to ask for a substitution, expansion or one-line explanation that supports the choice.
Does substitution or expansion support this match?
Check and revisit
Check against the optional answer page and revisit the feature compared in an incorrect pair. Test the relationship by substitution or expansion before matching again.
What makes this pair a better match than the alternatives?
Before you teach
Look for the thinking behind an answer, choose the support your class needs and leave room for an independent response.
What to look for
Look for a completed one-to-one match and an explanation that checks equivalence, such as a substitution or expansion. Ask: βWhat would make this pair a better match than the other option?β Check the answer key and graphs before use; matching correctly alone does not show secure understanding.
Give a little support
Work through one example together and name the property being checked, such as equal values after substitution or the slope and intercept of a line. Keep the answer page with the teacher, then give pupils another chance to explain a corrected match.
Take the idea further
Ask pupils to create a new expression or line rule and design a plausible matching representation. Exchange items with a partner, who must justify the match and identify a tempting incorrect option. Check new mathematics separately before adding it to the task.
Things to keep in mind
Check every answer and graph match before classroom use. If pupils print the activity, review the layout and working space at the chosen paper size.
Keep the idea. Make it yours.
Bring your topic, learning goal and class context to PLAIβ’, then review what you create.
Ideas for using this resource
Sample teaching perspectives on what to try, what to adapt and what to watch for.
Meet The Creators
Meet a creator whose teaching interests connect with this template.
Good Question
Six algebra and graph prompts must be matched one-to-one, and the final star asks for a proof of one chosen match. That explanation matters: a connected line alone cannot show whether the pupil used expansion, substitution or a graph feature correctly.
Paperclip Perspective
The sheet brings factorising, simplifying and reading linear equations into one matching task. It works best when pupils check a selected pair mathematically, then compare why the same expression or gradient is represented in the other form.
Open Book Pause
Separate the quadratic factorising matches from the linear simplification and graph-reading prompts before returning to the full set. A worked substitution or expansion can model the starred proof without giving away every connection.
Planning List
The six matches sample particular expressions and two linear graph relationships; they do not establish mastery of the wider topics. Ask for a second, pupil-generated equivalent pair to test whether the reasoning transfers beyond the printed options.