🧮 Maths games · free, no sign-up

Algebra Quest: find the rule behind the numbers

Play Algebra Quest

Loading Algebra Quest…

Decode expressions, balance equations and discover how a rule changes an input. Choose the school level that fits and take one step at a time.

Ages 10+
5–10 min
algebra
equations
expressions
Free · no sign-up

How to play Algebra Quest

Choose a grade that matches the learner's current school work.
Pick one topic from the skill cards and try a question.
Read the immediate feedback, then continue at a level that adjusts to answers.
Reach the mastery target or switch to another skill whenever you are ready.

Tips and strategy

Keep an equation balanced: whatever operation you use on one side, use on the other.
Ask the learner to explain one answer in their own words; the reasoning matters as much as speed.

What you'll learn

Algebra gives learners a way to describe relationships, not just unknown numbers. Start by following operation order and substituting values into expressions, then use inverse operations to solve equations. Functions and exponent rules extend the same habit: notice the rule and apply it consistently.

Worked example

Solve 3x + 5 = 23. Undo the +5 on both sides to get 3x = 18, then divide both sides by 3: x = 6. Check by substitution: 3 × 6 + 5 = 23. For an expression such as 2a + 3 when a = 4, substitute first and calculate 2 × 4 + 3 = 11. The letter stands for a value; it is not a label to ignore.

A common sticking point

Learners sometimes change only one side of an equation, which breaks the balance. Use a drawing of two equal pans: removing the same weight from both keeps them level. In an expression, follow the order of operations rather than reading left to right blindly. Brackets first, then powers, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction (BODMAS/PEMDAS conventions vary in wording, but the calculation order is the same).

Try it away from the screen

Invent a mystery number: “I doubled a number and added 5 to get 17. What was my number?” Ask the learner to reverse the steps and then write an equation. For a function rule, choose an input, apply “multiply by 2, then add 1”, and record the output. Compare several pairs to see how algebra describes a whole pattern, not only one answer.

Mini challenge with answers

Evaluate 4 + 3 × 2, then solve x − 7 = 11. Answers: 10, because multiplication is done before addition; x = 18, because adding 7 to both sides keeps the equation balanced. Substitute 18 back into the original equation as a check. Ask the learner to explain why 14 is not the first answer; the order of operations changes the result.

How to use this practice path

A learner who is new to algebra can begin by substituting numbers into expressions; this makes the role of a variable concrete. Move next to one-step equations and check each answer by substitution. Two-step equations should come after inverse operations are comfortable. Functions offer a fresh context for the same reasoning: record several inputs and outputs, then describe the rule in words before writing it with symbols.

Where the idea goes next

Once a learner can describe a function rule, make a small input-output table. For y = 2x + 1, inputs 0, 1 and 2 give outputs 1, 3 and 5. The pattern increases by 2 each time. A graph then turns the same relationship into points on a coordinate plane. Moving from words to a table to a rule to a graph is a helpful way to show that algebra represents connected ideas.

This free browser practice has grades 5 to 8 and is intended for learners aged about 10 to 14. Each topic has short questions, a mastery meter and progress saved in this browser on this device. It is independent practice, not a school-board test or a substitute for a teacher's advice about a particular learner.

Want paper practice too? Browse the printable maths worksheets, then explore all Grade 1 to 8 maths skills or ask a parent or guardian to enquire about a class.

Printable worksheets

Keep playing

More games you might like

All 116 games →

Maths games · Ages 10+NewEquation BalanceSolve equations on a balance scale by doing the same thing to both sides. algebrasolving equations Play Maths games · Ages 8+NewFunction MachineFeed numbers into a mystery machine, plot what comes out, then crack its secret rule. One step Two steps Powers & patterns Start the adventure Interactive lessons · Ages 11+NewSolving EquationsKeep a balance level to solve equations like 2x + 3 = 11. linear equationsalgebra Play Maths games · Ages 6+NewMaths MeteorsSums fall from space. Type the answers to blast them before they land. mental mathsadd and subtract Play

FAQ

Algebra Quest: questions

Is Algebra Quest free to play?

Yes. It is free, runs in a modern browser and does not need an account or download.

What does Algebra Quest teach?

Can I choose a grade?

Grades 5 to 8 are available. School grade systems differ, so choose the level that best matches what the learner is studying now.

Does the game save progress?

The game saves mastery scores in local browser storage on this device. It does not create an online student account.

Start a conversation

Questions about classes?

A parent or guardian can share the learner's age, level and goals, and we'll suggest a starting point and confirm the format before anything is booked.

Tell us the learner’s age or grade and goals
We’ll suggest a suitable class or learning path
We’ll confirm format, timing and fees with a parent or guardian