PUZZLE MATH: Simplifying Basic Algebraic Expressions

Students love decoding secret messages and revealing pictures as they perform operations with signed numbers, add like terms, and perform distribution. The built-in feedback keeps them motivated as they first master addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and various combinations with integers, and then later combine like terms and distribute. The four operations' rules become a breeze with three fun and easy-to-learn songs, including catchy "Minus, Minus Integers". The 20 puzzle sheets and three songs have been tested and approved with real students in real classrooms. Teachers love the immediate feedback the students get as well as the reduction in the grading overhead as the worksheets are self-checking. They are great for core classroom work, but are also wonderful for homework or supplemental assignments due to their highly supportive self-checking natures. (10 of the puzzles decode messages, and per students' and teachers' requests for more graphic-style decoders, 10 decode pictures!)