Students compare three different phone plans by writing algebraic expressions to model their monthly cost. They evaluate these expressions for different data usage amounts and determine at what point one plan becomes more economical than the others.
In this real-world algebra challenge, students take on the role of a savvy shopper analyzing three mobile data plans. Each plan includes a base cost and a variable per-GB charge. Rather than being given the expressions, students must:
🔍 What students learn:
📈 This worksheet makes expressions and equations meaningful by helping students use math to make smart financial choices—just like they would in everyday life.
Students will be able to construct and evaluate algebraic expressions to represent real-world pricing scenarios, and solve equations to determine break-even points. They will apply these skills to compare multiple phone plans based on varying data usage and make informed decisions by interpreting and analyzing their mathematical results.
💡 Tip: When assigning this activity to your classroom, you can optionally enable randomization to give each student a unique version of the problems. When you re-assign the same worksheet, each student will get a new set of questions, helping them master the content through repeated practice.
Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
All 6.EE.A.2 activities →Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations of the form *x* + *p* = *q* and* px* = *q* for cases in which *p*, *q* and *x* are all nonnegative rational numbers.
All 6.EE.B.7 activities →Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
All 7.EE.A.1 activities →Understand that rewriting an expression in different forms in a problem context can shed light on the problem and how the quantities in it are related. *For example, a + 0.05a = 1.05a means that "increase by 5%" is the same as "multiply by 1.05."*
All 7.EE.A.2 activities →Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals), using tools strategically. Apply properties of operations to calculate with numbers in any form; convert between forms as appropriate; and assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies. *For example: If a woman making $25 an hour gets a 10% raise, she will make an additional 1/10 of her salary an hour, or $2.50, for a new salary of $27.50. If you want to place a towel bar 9 3/4 inches long in the center of a door that is 27 1/2 inches wide, you will need to place the bar about 9 inches from each edge; this estimate can be used as a check on the exact computation*.
All 7.EE.B.3 activities →Solve word problems leading to equations of the form *px* + *q* = *r* and *p*(*x* + *q*) = *r*, where *p*, *q*, and *r* are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these forms fluently. Compare an algebraic solution to an arithmetic solution, identifying the sequence of the operations used in each approach. *For example, the perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width?*
All 7.EE.B.4a activities →
More interactive, auto-graded activities on the same standards and topics.
Students compare three streaming services by writing and evaluating algebraic expressions that model total subscription costs over time. They determine which plan is most cost-effective and justify their choice using math.
In this skill-building worksheet, students practice writing algebraic expressions from real-world scenarios using variables. They also analyze graphs to interpret the relationships and understand how cost or quantity changes.
Help plan a lemonade stand by writing expressions for cost and profit, solving inequalities to reach a profit goal, and analyzing how the number of cups sold affects earnings. Students build a table, plot a linear graph, and use a slider to visualize how profit changes—making math both real and interactive!
Help students build algebra skills using visual tape diagrams. In this worksheet, learners solve one-step equations by identifying equal parts, understanding variable relationships, and finding the value of x. A great introduction to algebraic thinking for 6th grade and early 7th grade.
Practice solving one- and two-step equations with rational numbers, including fractions and decimals. Students can enter answers in either decimal or fraction form.
Practice solving real-world problems using one-step and two-step equations with rational numbers. Students write and solve equations based on scenarios like taxi fares, savings, and ticket purchases—perfect for building equation fluency.
