Equivalent Expressions

How to play Parcel Lab

1. 1

   Read the order

   Look at the expression and the illustrated parcels. A teal parcel means x; each gold block means 1.

2. 2

   Choose the equivalent label

   Tap one of the three expression labels below the workbench. Count x parcels and single blocks separately. Mouse, touch, and Tab with Enter or Space all work.

3. 3

   See why it matches

   The pieces regroup automatically and the matching expressions appear together. A numerical example checks both totals; the unchanged pieces explain equivalence for every x.

4. 4

   Continue at your pace

   Select Next order after a correct answer. After six orders, Play again starts a fresh set. Mute and Sound control the quiet music.

Key Features

• One-tap labels

  Choose one of three expression labels. The player never has to select and move individual pieces.

• Visible groups

  The order is illustrated with teal x parcels and gold unit blocks before any action is required.

• Regrouping explains the answer

  A correct label rearranges the same pieces into variable and constant groups, showing the equivalent expression.

• Helpful retries

  A wrong label stays marked so you can try another. It does not move pieces or deduct earned points.

• Six orders and fresh replays

  Each correct label earns 100 points. Complete six orders, then replay with fresh quantities. The best score and music preference are saved locally.

What is Parcel Lab?

Parcel Lab is a visual matching game about equivalent expressions. Each teal parcel represents x and each gold block represents 1. Look at the order and its parcels, then choose one of three expression labels. A correct label regroups the same pieces into x parcels and single blocks. There is no opening, dragging, or sorting step. For 3(x + 2), three trays each hold one x parcel and two single blocks. The matching label is 3x + 6. The game regroups the three parcels and six blocks without adding or removing anything, so the expressions agree for every x. An automatic numerical example checks both totals after a correct answer. Later orders show repeated sums such as x + x + x + 2 + 2 + 2.

Why play Parcel Lab?

• 1

  See the whole group repeat

  Each illustrated group includes its x parcel and all its single blocks, connecting parentheses to the distributive property.

• 2

  Keep like terms separate

  The matching label counts variable parcels and single blocks separately.

• 3

  Connect symbols and objects

  A correct answer visibly regroups the same objects and places the equivalent expressions together.

• 4

  Practice one clear action

  Each round asks for one expression-label choice. There is no timer, piece selection, or tray selection.

Frequently Asked Questions