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Bridge the Gap


Instructions

  1. Walk and jump. Use the arrow keys or A/D to move and Space to jump. On a tablet, use the on-screen buttons. Collect π pies and dodge or stomp enemies as you explore.

  2. Reach a gap. Read the sign to see whether you need the graph’s domain, range, or both.

  3. Read the graph. Domain describes the x-values from left to right. Range describes the y-values from bottom to top.

  4. Check the endpoints. A closed dot means a value is included, an open dot means it is not, and an arrow means the graph continues indefinitely.

  5. Enter your answer. Write an inequality such as \(-2 < x \leq 4\), or use set notation like \(\{-1, 0, 2\}\) for separate points.

  6. Build the bridge. Correct answers lock the bridge into place. Incorrect answers make it crumble, with feedback to help you understand what went wrong. After three falls at the same bridge, a hint unlocks.

  7. Earn points. Score points for bridges, stomps, dodges, and stone hops. Your score follows you across all five worlds and onto the leaderboard.

Introduction

Read the graph. Build the bridge. Cross the gap! In this free math game, students guide the When Math Happens lightbulb through five worlds of pits, enemies, and floating ledges. To build each bridge, they must correctly identify the domain or range of a graph. Along the way, they practice reading coordinates, writing inequalities, interpreting endpoints, and understanding linear, quadratic, and exponential graphs.

WHY THIS GAME MATTERS

Why students love this game:

  • It's a real platform game. Run, jump, stomp enemies, and collect golden π pies. Math is the key to moving forward.

  • Mistakes help you learn. When a bridge crumbles, feedback explains what went wrong, and the next attempt uses new numbers.

  • Five worlds keep things fresh. Progress from simple line segments to curves, no-grid challenges, and designing your own graphs.

  • Every point counts. Earn points throughout the game and compete for a spot on the leaderboard.

Skills students build:

  • Finding Domain and Range

  • Writing Inequality and Set Notation

  • Recognizing Tricky Graph Features

  • Working Backward from Domain and Range

Great For

This free game is especially useful for:

  • Introducing domain and range: Help students connect graphs to inequalities and set notation.

  • Independent practice: Give students an engaging way to practice reading graphs and interpreting endpoints.

  • Math stations: Add a platform adventure to your rotation of activities.

  • Review days: Revisit domain and range before an Algebra 1 assessment.

  • Algebra 2 and Precalculus review: Refresh students' understanding of domain and range across different types of functions.

Accessibility Matters

Bridge the Gap is designed to support students using different ways of interacting with the game.


Accessibility features include:

  • Keyboard controls for movement and jumping.

  • Touch controls for tablets.

  • Screen-reader support.

  • Five progressively challenging worlds.

  • Feedback when an answer is incorrect.

  • Hints unlock after three falls at the same bridge.

  • A running score and leaderboard across all five worlds.

  • Fresh numbers on retry to encourage students to reason through each challenge.

KEEP THE LEARNING GOING

Try more free math games from When Math Happens:

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