About this worksheet

This free Year 8 equations from word problems worksheet is written for the Western Australian curriculum and mapped to SCSA content description WA8MNALE1. It targets one skill so students can practise until it sticks: by the end, students can say “I can define a variable, write an equation from a worded problem, solve it and check the answer makes sense in context.”

What’s inside

• Key idea box – a short explanation with worked examples to read before starting.
• A · Fluency (16 questions) – quick practice to build accuracy.
• B · Core (10 questions) – worded problems set in everyday Australian contexts.
• C · Reasoning (4 questions) – explain, justify and spot the error.
• D · Challenge (4 questions) – harder multi-step and problem-solving questions for students ready to stretch.
• Separate marking key – every answer with working, plus mark allocations and marking criteria for reasoning questions.

Skills covered

• Defining a variable and writing an equation from words
• Solving and checking the answer in context
• Setting up consecutive number, age and cost problems

How to use this worksheet

Start with the Key idea box, then complete Section A (use a calculator only where a question says so). Most students should attempt Sections B and C; Section D suits students aiming for the top of the class or preparing for accelerated or extension maths. The worksheet is marked out of 58, and the score box on the last page helps students see which section needs more practice.

Common mistakes to watch for

• Not stating what the variable represents
• Mistranslating 'more than twice'
• Forgetting to add the same years to both ages
• Giving an answer that doesn't make sense in context

Where this fits in the WA Year 8 sequence

Writing and Solving Equations from Word Problems sits in the Linear and non-linear equations and inequalities sub-strand of Number and algebra. It is one of a set of short, single-skill EduLift worksheets that split each Year 8 content description into sub-skills. Use the previous and next links to work through the sequence in order.

Common errors we see in tutoring

• Not stating what the variable represents
• Mistranslating 'more than twice'
• Forgetting to add the same years to both ages
• Giving an answer that doesn't make sense in context