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Identify the Mistake in solving the equation EOY - Printable Mathematics Worksheets - Wayground

Identify the Mistake in solving the equation EOY

6 questions

9th - 12th Grade

Mathematics

This Grade 9–12 mathematics worksheet develops students’ ability to evaluate the steps used to solve linear equations. Its six multiple-choice questions begin with identifying the correct first operation for an equation such as 11 - 3x = 44, then ask students to locate an incorrect line or step and identify the type of error, including distributing, combining like terms, subtracting terms, adding constants, and dividing to isolate x. Students practise reading algebraic work critically rather than accepting a solution because it looks complete. The worksheet is useful for end-of-year review, error analysis, or a quick check of procedural understanding before students solve more linear equations independently. It is a free printable worksheet with a complete answer key, designed for Grade 9 through Grade 12 mathematics instruction and review.

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Worksheets

Identify the Mistake in solving the equation EOY

Total questions: 6

Name
Class
Date
1.
What is the first step to solve this equation:
11 - 3x = 44
a)
Add 3 to both sides
b)
Subtract 11 from both sides
c)
Add 11 to both sides
d)
Divide 3 on both sides.
2.

Identify which line an error exists

a)

1

b)

2

c)

3

d)

4

e)

There are no errors.

3.

In what line is the mistake?

a)

(Distributing)

b)

(combining Like terms)

c)

(Subtracting X)

d)

(Adding 8)

e)

(Dividing to get x-alone)

4.

In what line is the mistake?

a)

(Distributing)

b)

(Combining Like Terms)

c)

(Subtracting 3x)

d)

(Adding 26)

5.

Which step has the mistake?

a)

Step 1

b)

Step 2

c)

Step 3

d)

Step 4

e)

Step 5

6.

Which step has the mistake?

a)

Step 1

b)

Step 2

c)

Step 3

d)

Step 4

e)

No mistake

Answer Key

Identify the Mistake in solving the equation EOY

Total questions: 6

1.
b) Subtract 11 from both sides
2.
a)

1

3.
a)

(Distributing)

4.
b)

(Combining Like Terms)

5.
a)

Step 1

6.
b)

Step 2

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FAQs

What does this worksheet cover?

This worksheet covers error analysis in solving linear equations through six multiple-choice questions. Students identify the correct first operation for 11 - 3x = 44, locate the incorrect line or step in worked solutions, and distinguish errors involving distributing, combining like terms, adding constants, subtracting terms, or dividing to isolate x.

How can I use this worksheet to teach students to identify mistakes in linear-equation solutions?

Model one worked linear equation and ask students to justify why each operation is performed before they complete the worksheet. Then have students explain whether an error occurs in the first line, a later step, or a named process such as distributing or combining like terms, using the multiple-choice options as prompts for mathematical discussion.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this worksheet?

Watch for students who choose an operation without considering its inverse, or who identify that a solution is wrong but cannot locate the incorrect line or step. Students may also confuse distributing with combining like terms, overlook an error in an early step, or select a nearby step instead of the specific process named in the choices.

How do I assign and grade this worksheet?

This linear-equation error-analysis worksheet is available as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz on Wayground. It includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for my students?

Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing and font size so the six multiple-choice items and their step labels are easier to read. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when that supports access to the algebra instructions and answer choices.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a broad collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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