Game on: Solving for x-citement with interactive Algebra

We all want to make smarter use of our screentime. But when it comes to deciding between crushing candy or doing something actually useful for ourselves—sorry, brain—candy wins.

However, we took that as a challenge: how do we make solving for x as much of a dopamine blast as shooting birds from a slingshot?

Our solution is to create a learning experience that leans on the learner’s natural desire to figure things out. Taught well, math can have as much interactivity, satisfaction, and delight as any great mobile game.

You’re a natural

The best games are intuitive. You press play and just know what to do. We took the same approach with Solving Equations. The entire course was built around the idea that you already know algebra.

In the first lesson, we prove it to you, by starting you off with puzzles that you can solve with simple reasoning alone.

These puzzles show that solving equations doesn’t have to feel abstract—it’s something you can already do.

Action first. Theory later.

Explaining everything you’re going to do before letting you do it is a bad way to start a game. Unsurprisingly, it’s also a bad way to start learning something new. Yet, that’s how traditional math courses are usually designed. So when we made Solving Equations, we ran in the opposite direction.

We start each lesson with a problem that is right on the edge of your understanding. If we did our job right, solving the problems should require just one small mental leap. We also give you the tools to mess around and try on a few different answers. You'll construct equations with drag-and-drop elements, or pull fruit onto a grocery scale to calculate the best deal.

Then, once you've built up an intuitive arsenal of problem-solving techniques, we introduce them to the algebraic names of those techniques. You can almost hear the a-ha moments, as people realize they’ve been doing algebra without even knowing it.

Building your arsenal

Once learners have built confidence through their first few lessons, it’s time to start building a more robust algebraic toolkit. In a mobile game, players might pick up rare equipment to help defeat the big boss. Algebra is the same — the techniques you learn let you slice through problems that would have been harder before.

Ready player one?

Algebra can feel intimidating. But by leaning into people’s intuitive problem-solving skills, and their natural love of doing, algebra can go from unapproachable to un-put-downable. Add in building confidence and a sharper, smarter mind—and crushing candy suddenly feels less fun.

Ready to start solving? Explore Brilliant’s Solving Equations course today and discover how intuitive algebra can be.

To keep up with our latest thoughts on the intersection of AI and STEM learning, follow us on LinkedIn and on X at @brilliantorg and @suekhim.