Inverse Functions and Solving Equations Four in a Row Activity

Practice evaluating inverse functions and solving equations using inverse functions with this fun and interactive four in a row activity – think bingo but with less squares on the card!

Activity Prep

Print a four in a row card for each student. If you are using dry erase pockets or bingo chips, a single class set of cards will suffice since they can be used over and over again.

Each student will also benefit from having a slip of paper with the various function tables that will be referenced throughout the game. These are designed to print 3 to a page and be cut apart.

If you would like to be in control of the order of the questions, print a copy of the calling card for yourself. It is available in two formats: with and without answers.

Alternatively, there is a PPT file of slides with the problems presented one to a slide that you can use instead. Here is an example slide:

Activity Alignment

This activity was specifically designed to align with Shaun Carter’s Algebra 2 Notes Section 1.3: Inverse Functions and Equations.

How I Run This Activity

Display a problem for students to solve on the interactive whiteboard using the provided slides. Each student works the problem independently on an individual dry erase board at their desk using the slip of paper with the function tables on it as a reference.

Once each student has had a chance to work the problem, go over the question as a class. Each student marks off the square corresponding to the correct answer. I have played this several ways over the years. Some years, I have students write directly on their four in a row sheets. Other years, I print the cards and slide them in dry erase pockets or give students bingo chips to use.

Continue this process until several people in the class get 4 in a row. I award my students “Carter Cash” whenever they achieve four squares in a row. Carter Cash can be redeemed for 5% extra credit on a test or 15% extra credit on a quiz, so it a highly sought after item in my high school math classroom.

After about 4 people have won, I have everyone erase their entire boards, and we continue going with the questions. We continue playing until either we run out of questions, run out of time, or I decide as the teacher that there have been enough winners.

Students always beg me to do “just one more question!” I usually reach the point where if I do one more question that half the class will get 4 in a row on that question. I tell them we can’t play anymore or I will go broke from having to hand out so much Carter Cash.