EngageNY
Word Problems
Use several skills to solve word problems leading to systems of equations. Scholars define variables and write equations to model situations described within word problems. Pupils solve the resulting system of linear equations using...
Illustrative Mathematics
Two Interpretations of Division
Division can be seen in two ways; as splitting a whole into a certain number of pieces, or splitting it into pieces of a certain size. Help your class reach this understanding with these two simple word problems. Encourage the use of...
Curated OER
The Class Trip
Mrs. Moore's class is trying to earn money for a trip to the science museum, but how much more do they need? Solve this problem with your own class as they develop their ability to model real-life situations algebraically. As an added...
Curated OER
Analyzing Word Problems Involving Multiplication
Learners sometimes have difficulty making sense of a word problem. In a guided learning activity, pupils are asked to think about how to find an answer and explain their thinking, rather than finding the answer. It allows them to...
EngageNY
Solving Problems by Finding Equivalent Ratios
Combine total quantities and equivalent ratios in problem solving. The fifth lesson in a series of 29 presents problems that can be solved using equivalent ratios. Pupils use part-to-part ratios and either sums or differences of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Plastic Building Blocks
Let's build a castle! Dennis and Cody have big plans, but do they have enough blocks between the two of them to accomplish their goal? A great context that requires students to add and compare mixed numbers. Encourage the use of pictures...
Illustrative Mathematics
Maria’s Marbles
Ali has more marbles than Maria in some of these word problems, while in others Maria has more marbles than Ali. First graders are tasked to read each word problem and solve how many marbles each girl has.
Illustrative Mathematics
Boys and Girls, Variation 1
Given a certain amount of boys and certain amount of girls, how many children are there total in the class? Assess learners' ability to use addition and subtraction strategies when solving word problems.
EngageNY
Solving Percent Problems
Don't discount how much your pupils understand percents! The 27th lesson in a series of 29 presents a problem to find the cost of a discounted outfit. Small groups determine either the original price or the discount received given the...
California Education Partners
Theater Field Trip
Here's an assessment task that's better than watching a show. Young mathematicians solve word problems involving multiplication and division with equal groups. They must find the total number of attendees on a trip to a theater based on...
EduGAINs
Introduction to Solving Linear Systems
Word problems offer class members an opportunity to learn the concept of solving linear systems using graphs. Individuals choose a problem based upon preferences, break into groups to discuss solution methods and whether there...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sharing Markers
Let your first graders translate these word problems into subtraction sentences. Some of the equations involve finding the answer after Char gives some of her markers away, while others require finding the amount of markers Char started...
EngageNY
Problem Solving When the Percent Changes
Use more than one whole to solve percent problems. The ninth installment in a 20-part series has pupils work percent problems in which they must determine two wholes. Individuals use double number lines to represent and solve the...
EngageNY
Part of a Whole as a Percent
Pupils use visual models, numeric methods, and equations to solve percent problems. To complete the second installment of 20, they find the part given the percent and the whole, find the percent given the part and the whole, and find the...
Curated OER
Gifts from Grandma, Variation 1
Composed of three word problems, this math activity exposes young mathematicians to relationships present in multiplication and division. The first problem is most useful with a tape diagram in which learners are working with equal-sized...
EngageNY
Two-Step Problems—All Operations
Step 1: Use the resource. Step 2: Watch your class become experts in solving two-step problems. Scholars learn to solve two-step word problems in context. They use tape diagrams and algebraic techniques to break the problem into two,...
EngageNY
Markup and Markdown Problems
There is a 100 percent chance this resource will help pupils connect percents to financial literacy. Young mathematicians use their knowledge of percents to find markups and markdowns in financial situations in the seventh segment in a...
Curated OER
Carnival Tickets
A great subtraction and division discovery opportunity for young mathematicians, this learning task involves seven word problems that require multiple steps. Learners use a math table to persevere in solving problems that are...
EngageNY
Putting the Law of Cosines and the Law of Sines to Use
Use the Law of Cosines and the Law of Sines to solve problems using the sums of vectors. Pupils work on several different types of real-world problems that can be modeled using triangles with three known measurements. In the process,...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 6th Grade Math – Target A
Only in math problems do people buy 18 cans of tennis balls and no one wonders why. Scholars solve for the number of total tennis balls given the ratio of balls per can. This and other ratio word problems in a PowerPoint from Grade 6...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Point-Slope Application Problems
Create a linear equation for a problem when the intercept information is not given. The two-day lesson introduces the class to the point-slope form, which can be used for problems when the initial conditions are not provided. Pupils...
Illustrative Mathematics
Three Composing/Decomposing Problems
Practice composing and decomposing numbers in base-ten using three word problems. Each problem presents a different scenario requiring learners to explain their thinking, find the number of ones, and find out different ways to make a...
Illustrative Mathematics
Margie Buys Apples
One of the most common, everyday applications of math is dealing with money. This single problem calculating how much change Margie receives is more involved than it appears at first glance. An understanding of how fractions and decimals...
Curated OER
Jon and Charlie's Run
Let's use math to solve an argument. Jon and Charlie are debating about who can run farther, but who is right? That's what your class will figure out as they apply their understanding of fractions to this real-life situation. A simple,...