The purpose of this task is to study the rules of exponents in the context of trying to make sense of a challenging mathematical expression. Teachers will critically analyze each student's argument. Aligns with N-RN.A.1.

In this task, 6th graders are presented with a large square divided into 9 squares and the center square is then removed. They are asked to find the area of the 8 remaining squares. Each smaller square is divided in the same way and the...