Illustrative Mathematics
Kendall's Vase - Tax
Practice sales tax when using the activity with three solution choices. Learners can use a percent table, benchmark percent, or solve by calculating. Solutions don't show how to multiply by the decimal, but method can be added in. Great...
Illustrative Mathematics
Floor Plan
A multi-step problem has learners finding the actual area based on a scale drawing and then converting units at the end. Two different solution choices are listed depending on the preference on which step to start first. Both methods can...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Two, Variation 4
After elections, the total amount of votes is not specified but the ratio of votes is. Your learners' job is to determine the fraction of votes John received above half of all votes. The problem can be solved abstractly or by other...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Two, Variation 3
After calculating election votes, your learners must determine how many votes the winner, John, got above 50%. This multi-step problem encourages them to think in a deeper way about what the question is asking them to find. Use with...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Two, Variation 2
John won the election, but by how much more? Your learners will calculate how many votes each candidate received in order to determine the difference. Use with other lessons provided in the series to practice different variations of this...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Two, Variation 1
The votes are in and your mathematicians are going to calculate how many votes each candidate received. Three different solution choices are given, depending on which method is taught. Have your learners set up a table, compute parts, or...
Illustrative Mathematics
Friends Meeting on Bikes
It is the job of your mathematicians to figure out how fast Anya is riding her bike when meeting her friend. The problem shares the distance, time spent riding, and Taylor's speed leaving the last variable for your learners to solve. Use...
Illustrative Mathematics
Robot Races
Analyze data on a graph to answer three questions after a robot race. Learners practice comparing ratios and reading points on a graph. Answers may vary on the last question based on accuracy of graphing. Use the lesson along with three...
Illustrative Mathematics
Rolling Dice
Rolling dice is a great way for your mathematicians to get a hands-on approach to probabilities. Use the chart to record whether they rolled a six during ten attempts. Calculate results individually (or in small groups) and then record...
Illustrative Mathematics
Factors and Common Factors
This is an exercise in finding the greatest common factor of two whole numbers. Use in direct instruction or as part of your guided practice. Make up additional problems for home work. It also can be used as a mini-assessment or test...
Illustrative Mathematics
Friends Meeting on Bicycles
It's a great day for a bike ride, but how long will it take? Your learners will have to calculate multiple variables in the problem using scaffolded questioning. Different answer choices are given, but you will need to create the table...
Illustrative Mathematics
Computing Volume Progression 4
This resource was written for the younger math learner, but finding the volume of an irregular solid is also a problem for algebra and geometry learners. Based on Archimedes’ Principle, one can calculate the volume of a stone by...
Illustrative Mathematics
Graphs of Compositions
It might help when working with this resource to give an example of a composition function. For example, the amount of time it takes to get to work depends on the amount of traffic; the amount traffic depends on the time of day....
Illustrative Mathematics
Extending the Definitions of Exponents, Variation 1
Scientist work with negative integer exponents all the time. Here, participants will learn how to relate negative exponents to time and to generate equivalent numerical expressions. Learners will apply the properties of integer exponents...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equations of Lines
The intent of this resource is to show algebra learners that there is a proportional relationship between two lines that have an intersecting point. As the coordinate x increases by a constant, the y coordinate also increases. It will...
Illustrative Mathematics
Quinoa Pasta 1
Here is a great opportunity to introduce your mathematicians to a food they may never have heard of, quinoa. It may help to show a short video on quinoa, or make some quinoa for the class to try. Once they get over how to say quinoa,...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Solutions?
Determining the number of solutions is an important stepping stone to higher math. In this case, the resource asks algebra pupils to find a second linear equation for a certain solution of a system. When one is asked for a linear...
Illustrative Mathematics
Finding a 10% increase
A quick problem to test your mathematicians' knowledge on percent increase. Two different solutions are provided, mental math and computing. Ask your learners to include a description of what they did to supplement their answer.
Illustrative Mathematics
Irrational Numbers on the Number Line
There are four irrational numbers that participants need to graph. Pi(π), -(½ x π), and √17 are easy to approximate with common rational numbers. On the other hand, the commentary describing the irrational number 2√2 is not clear. It...
Illustrative Mathematics
Puppy Weights
Nobody can say no to puppies, so lets use them in math! Your learners will take puppy birth weights and organize them into different graphs. They can do a variety of different graphs and detail into the problem based on your classroom...
Illustrative Mathematics
Estimating Square Roots
No calculators! Assure your learners that they can find the square root of a large number. All they need are two known squares close by and a table. Come up with an additional practice and your number crunchers will have it mastered in...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equivalent Expressions?
Pre-algebra pupils need to understand that two expressions are only equal if they have the same value. Show them that once the expression is multiplied by a number, the value of the expression changes. It makes for a good lead-in to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Watch out for Parentheses
It is important for the algebra learner to understand the use of parentheses. Mathematicians of all levels can make errors with nested parentheses. This will give them some practice. It makes for a good class starter or quick assessment.
Illustrative Mathematics
Video Streaming
Your movie fans will be interested in this resource. They will compare video streaming plans. One plan charges a set rate per month and a reduced viewing fee, and the other has a flat rate per each video viewed. Unfortunately, students...