Activity Description Students play a generalized version of connect four, gaining the chance to place a piece on the board by solving an algebraic equation. Parameters: Level of difficulty of equations to solve and type of problem. Algebra Four is one of the Interactivate assessment games.

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Algebra Four

Place in mathematics curriculum:

This activity can be used to:

• Allow students practice with solving various types of one-variable equations.

This activity allows the user to play a game with solving equations where each player tries to connect four game pieces in a row before his or her opponent does. The players can choose to solve linear equations involving various properties of equality as well as solve quadratic equations in standard form. They can also choose the difficulty level and the number of players. This activity would work well in groups of 2 for about 25-30 minutes if you use the exploration questions and 15-20 minutes otherwise.

Preparations for this activity:

• Explain the difference between solving a quadratic equation vs. solving a linear one
• Encourage students to try more difficult problems and decrease the allowed time
• Prevent any disputes and taunting between winners and losers