Math Scrabble 

Adapted by: Lauren Wiener & Kara Smith  

James Madison University, Elementary Education 
 
 
VIRGINIA SOL:  
5.7 The student will evaluate whole number numerical expressions, using the 
order of operations limited to parentheses, addition, subtraction, 
multiplication, and division.  
 
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:  
How do I create and solve a multi-step equation using whole numbers?  
How do I understand the order of operations to simplify multi-step 
expressions?  
 
TOOLS FOR EDUCATORS: 
Mathematical ideas promoted or reinforced in the game: 
Order of operations  
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division  
To check for student understanding:  
Check student made equations for accuracy 
Reason why this game is effective: 
Each game will involve the creation and solving of different equations 
which will keep the students engaged and learning 
 
MATHEMATICAL OBJECTIVE 
To create multi-step, whole number equations following order of operations 
 
 
 
 
 
THE RULES:  
● Except as noted, game play is similar to normal Scrabble 
● On each turn, players must make or add to a valid and correct equation. 
● Players keep 15 tiles in their hand at all times, not 7 as in normal Scrabble 
● Players form valid equations rather than words. 
○ example: '3+3=6' 
● You can add to an existing equation on one side or both sides in a single turn. 
○ example: you can add to both ends of '3+3=6' in a single turn to make 
'63+3=66' 
● You may only use one new '=' sign per turn 
● Order of operation: ​ The game will function correctly as long as you agree 
beforehand on the order of operation. You can play with either "standard 
math" (ie, multiply proceeds plus unrelated to the written order), or "strict 
left-to-right evaluation". 
● Square and Square-root operators apply only to the immediately preceding 
or following number 
● There is no implied multiplication 
● Equations can have multiple equal parts. 
○ example: '2x2=1+3=4=5-1' 
● Redundant equations are valid 
○ example: '1-1+1-1=0=0+0' 
● The '-' may be used either as an operator or before a number indicate its 
sign. 
○ example: '-3=5-8' 
○ example: '3=-5--8' 
● You may not use leading '+' signs or leading '0' in front of a number 
● You may not string together arbitrary symbols 
○ example: '3+xx4==12' is NOT valid. 
● In normal scrabble, you can place one word alongside another if they create 
a valid crossword. Here, a 2-character sequence can never be an equation so 
this generally is not possible. As an optional rule, you may choose to allow 
placing alongside when only numbers are formed as the cross-words, but you 
still need to connect to an existing equation some other way. 
● As an optional rule, you may choose to disallow the following "Identity" 
equation fragments: 
○ "x1" example: you could not turn '3+4=7' to '3+4=7x1' 
○ "+0" and "-0". example: you could ​not​ turn '3+4=7' to '3+4=7+0' 
 ● I recommend allowing these when playing in a learning scenario, but 
disallowing them with experienced players as you get into tedious 
'2+2=4+0+0+0x1x1' situations. 
 
DIFFERENTIATED PLAY: 
This game is easily modifiable for students with all math skill levels:  
● Easier Game: use less operations, example: just addition and subtraction 
● Harder Game: Use order of operations, you could also add in square roots 
and exponents 
 
SCORING: 
● Unlike Scrabble, when adding to an existing equation only the newly added 
tiles score points. 
● Double-letter, triple-letter, double-word, triple-word squares work as usual 
● Advanced Scoring: 
○ All equations earn a bonus depending on the actual numeric value of 
the equation. This rewards equations of high value like '25x25=625' 
compared to ones of low value like '1+1+1+1=4'. 
○ The calculation of the bonus is based on the equation value as follows: 
■ Take the absolute value of the equation value (so that big 
negative equations are still rewarded!) 
■ Take the square root of that number 
■ Round up to the nearest integer 
■ Yikes! but it seems to work well. you can use a calculator the 
first time. 
○ The result is the bonus, which is added to the equation score before 
applying any double and triple word scores. 
■ example: '2+2=4'. equation value = 4. absolute value of that = 
4. square root of that = 2. round up to get bonus points = 2. 
■ example: '3+3=6'. equation value = 6, absolute value of that = 
6, square root of that = 2.45, round up to get bonus points = 3. 
■ example: '3-20=-17. equation value = -17, absolute value of 
that = 17, square root of that = 4.12, round up to get bonus 
points = 5. 
   
To make your own game:  
Create the tiles indicated in the chart below. The Pinterest link takes you to a 
printable game board!  
 
TILES FOR THE BOARD 
Numerator/Operation  How Many  Score Value 

1  5  1 

2  5  1 

3  5  2 

4  5  2 

5  5  3 

6  5  2 

7  5  4 

8  5  2 

9  5  2 

0  5  1 

+ (add)  7  1 

- (subtract)  7  1 

x (multiply)  5  2 

÷ (divide)  5  3 

( ) (parenthesis)   8  3 

= (equals)  20  1 

blank  3  0 
 
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3729612175967316/ 
LINK TO PRINTABLE BOARD 
 
https://www.amazon.com/Mobi-Numerical-Tile-Whale-Pouch/dp/B00XGW433Y 
LINK TO PURCHASE A SIMILAR GAME CALLED MOBI