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I created this one variable inequalities card sort activity for my Algebra 1 students to complete before we moved on to looking at two variable inequalities.
Students are given five number lines and five equations/inequalities to match up.

I created the number lines for this card sorts using GraphFree.com.
I printed the card sort on colored paper and laminated them before cutting them apart.
MATH = LOVE RECOMMENDS…
A laminator is a MUST-HAVE for me as a math teacher! I spent my first six years as a teacher at a school with a broken laminator, so I had to find a way to laminate things myself.
I’ve had several laminators over the years. I currently use a Scotch laminator at home and a Swingline laminator at school.
I highly recommend splurging a bit on the actual laminator and buying the cheapest laminating pouches you can find!
I wanted my students to be able to taste some success with this review card sort. I asked students to share strategies with the class that they used to match up the number lines and inequality statements.
Then, I decided to do something scary. I gave my students a two variable inequalities card sort and asked them to match two variable inequalities and graphs without having done any teaching regarding two-variable inequalities.
I wanted to see what my students could do without any input from me. I was inspired to do this by my recent reading of Make It Stick.
The book claims that trying to solve a problem before being shown a solution leads to better and deeper learning even if errors are made in that first attempt. In the past, I’ve been a “how will they know how to do it if I don’t show them?” teacher. But, I’m trying to change.
I’m trying to challenge my students to think on their own. Then, we will examine their solutions and talk through them. I think my students will be more attentive when we do get to the note-taking stage of our lesson since they have already attempted a problem on their own.
Free Download of One Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity
One Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity (PDF) (1069 downloads)
One Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity (Editable Publisher File ZIP) (495 downloads)
More Activities for Teaching One Variable Inequalities
- Solving Equations/Inequalities with Variables on Both Sides Graphic Organizers
- Compound Inequalities Graphic Organizers
- Solving Equations/Inequalities with Variables On One Side Graphic Organizers
- Inequalities Investigation
- Graphing Solutions on a Number Line Speed Dating Activity
- One Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity
- Compound Inequalities Foldable
- Reviewing One Variable Inequalities
- One Variable Inequalities Square Puzzle Activity
- Graphing Inequalities Foldable
- Inequalities Foldables
Melissa
Monday 2nd of January 2023
Do you have a copy of the two step inequalities challenge you mention above?
Sarah Carter
Monday 2nd of January 2023
I just added a link to the blog post!