math class 678 4-in-1 skill sheets
Writing Equations from Word Problems, Algebra 1 4-in-1 Skill Sheet (HSA.CED.A.1)
HSA.CED.A.1 Algebra 1 Unit 2: Linear Equations in One Variable

Writing Equations from Word Problems

I can turn a word problem into an equation and solve it.

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The problem this sheet solves

Two failures dominate. Subtraction gets reversed, so four less than a number becomes 4 − n, and the equation is wrong before any method is applied. And students write an EXPRESSION where an equation was needed, because the step of defining the variable and finding the word that becomes the equals sign was never made explicit. This sheet keeps the solving deliberately light so all the attention sits on translation, and it makes defining the variable a required first line rather than an implied one. Students translate phrase by phrase in order, spot the reversing phrases, and check the answer against the original words, which catches translation errors that checking the algebra never would.

The key rule

Name the unknown, translate the sentence phrase by phrase in order, and let is or equals become the equals sign. Then solve, and check the answer against the original words.

Keep subtraction in order: four less than a number is n − 4, never 4 − n.

Watch out

The mistake: Reading four less than a number as 4 − n, reversing the subtraction.

The fix: Four less than a number is n − 4: you start with the number and take four away. Order matters for subtraction.

What is included

  • Reference page — student-friendly definitions, a worked example, a Watch Out error pair, and the key rule
  • Practice page — six problems, building from foundational to multi-step
  • Apply page — a word problem, a reasoning prompt, and an error-analysis task
  • Assess — a half-page exit ticket, two to a sheet, with a score box
  • Full answer key — every item worked, plus a grading guide that says what each wrong answer tells you
  • Ink-saver edition of all 7 pages
  • 14-slide teacher deck (PowerPoint) with presenter notes on every slide

Standard codes refer to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Math Class 678 is an independent publisher, not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by NGA Center or CCSSO. Every product is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.