Build an Expression

Build an Expression is a Grade 5 card game about constructing an expression that reaches a target value. Players place available digit cards into an expression form and work toward making the completed expression equal 8. Since every digit must fit into the structure, students have to evaluate partial possibilities and think about how each placement changes the value.

Use it when students are practicing numerical expressions and order of operations within a fixed structure. The game gives you a natural reason to ask students to justify a placement or compare two different expressions that reach the same target. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate teacher-ready lesson support for Build an Expression. Free accounts include 3 lifetime lesson generations with no credit card required.