Puzzle Details
This is a set of three differentiated puzzles over the objective of simplifying square
roots. They could be used in an algebra or geometry class. The first puzzle (labeled
with M) is the low challenge puzzle, the second puzzle (labeled with A) is the
medium challenge puzzle, and the third puzzle (labeled with T) is the high
challenge puzzle. Each puzzle has a student page with directions for the student
and a key page for the teacher. Each level has a different symbol in the top left
corner to help students get started and help teachers check student work. As the
levels increase, the numbers get larger and the high challenge puzzle has numbers
on the outside of the square root symbol as well as variables (only positive values
are considered).
I usually have students cut out the pieces and glue the puzzle to a sheet of
construction paper, but the pieces could be copied on card stock and cut out ahead
of time. I carry the keys to each puzzle so that I can check students’ work before
they attach it to construction paper. They symbols help me make sure that I am
using the correct key. These puzzles serve as a formative assessment for me and
my students with the bonus of engaging students.
Simplifying Square Roots Puzzle (M)
Cut out the squares and simplify the square roots. Put the puzzle pieces back together
so that equivalent expressions touch. The pieces should make a block letter I. The
symbol goes in the upper left corner.
147
3 2
12
2 3
24
4 6
4 3
32
3 11
16
Key Puzzle M
16
147
32
3 11
24
4 3
2 3
4 6
12
3 2
Simplifying Square Roots Puzzle (A)
Cut out the squares and simplify the square roots. Put the puzzle pieces back together
so that equivalent expressions touch. The pieces should make a block letter I. The
symbol goes in the upper left corner.
300
648
600
10 6
588
22 5
1200
1500
11
294
Key Puzzle A
300
1500
10 6
160000
1200
294
648
588
11
22 5
Simplifying Square Roots Puzzle (T)
Cut out the squares and simplify the square roots. Put the puzzle pieces back together
so that equivalent expressions touch. The pieces should make a block letter I. The
symbol goes in the upper left corner.
252x3 y 2
12
2 150
14700
14 y 3x
2 12
648x 2 y 3
8 32
18 xy 2 y
25 5
Key Puzzle T
2 12
648x 2 y 3
12
6 2
252x3 y 2
8 32
2 150
25 5
14700
14 y 3x