Curated OER
Working Backwards
Students explore the concept that to solve some problems, they may need to undo the key actions in the problem. This strategy is called working backwards asking the appropriate questions.
Curated OER
Working Backwards
Sixth graders make up their own math problems. There is only one restriction. That is, the answer has to be the one you are going to give them in a sealed envelope. The problems that they make up can be anything they like. Let Students...
Curated OER
Word Clue and All About Me Problem Solving
Fifth graders practice solving word problems using highlighted strategies. In this word problem lesson plan, 5th graders brainstorm and use words as clues that indicate the math operations that will be used to solve problems. They use...
Howard County Schools
Factoring Trinomials Using Tiles
What's the opposite of multiplying binomials? Learners apply their previous knowledge of multiplying binomials using algebra tiles to factor trinomials. The lesson introduces factoring as a process that uses algebra tiles to...
Curated OER
Algebra Tic-Tac-Times
Use the strategy of working backwards to practice factoring polynomials and multiplying binomials in a game format. Play, and work to find which products combined with the available factors will result in the placement of four tokens in...
Illustrative Mathematics
Shirt Sale
Everyone loves a good deal, and your mathematician's job is to calculate the original price when given the discount. A different type of problem than the traditional "find the percent change" has your learners working backwards to...
Curated OER
Number Sentences
Fifth graders become familiar with problem solving strategies of guess and check and working backwards. They demonstrate the basic concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using a math sentence.
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Proving Quadrilateral Properties
Working backwards can sometimes help you see a path to solving a problem. In this chapter, properites of quadrilaterials are proven by looking at flowcharts and working the probem backwards. Worked through examples are given, along with...
Curated OER
Investigation - What's the Number?: Division
Seventh graders explore number sentences using a variety of strategies making each equation a true sentence. Students examine strategies such as patterns, trial and error, working backwards, and related problems. In groups, 7th graders...
Curated OER
Geometry: Area, Scale Factor, Circumference
In this geometry worksheet, students solve 10 problems regarding area, scale factors, and circumference. Students, in 3 of the problems, are given the circumference and asked to work backwards to find missing information.
Curated OER
Problem Solving
Fifth graders read and write equations. In this equation writing lesson, 5th graders use real life scenarios to write equations. Students use manipulatives, draw pictures and make tables to understand how to write equations. Students...
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Popping Problems!
Turn your math lesson into a carnival game with this fun, outdoor activity. After reviewing the concept your class will be practicing briefly, split your class up into teams and head outdoors. These teams work to solve math questions and...
Curated OER
Equations and Inequalities Projects
Young scholars compose equations and inequalities whose solutions are the integers 1-31 and utilize them to number one month of a calendar. They take notes on two ways to work backwards from a solution: by using the number and by setting...
Curated OER
Multiplicity of Zeros of Functions
Pupils identify the multiplicity of exponents as they graph polynomials. They write equations for a function given the zeros of the function and work backwards from solving equations.
Curated OER
Making Connections
Eighth graders investigate the input/output model for building function tables. From the data, 8th graders connect tables, graphs, function rules, and equations in one variable. They work backwards to determine function rules for given...
Curated OER
Not So Snappy 9 Word Problems
In this math worksheet, learners practice solving word problems which require them to make a list or work backwards to find the solution. Students read and solve 5 word problems.
Curated OER
Topo Triangulation
Students investigate how to read a topographical map and triangulate with just a map. They convert a compass measurement to a protractor measurement, reverse a bearing direction, and using a worksheet take a bearing of certain landmarks...
Curated OER
Money Matters
Students practice spending money by completing math word sentences. In this economics lesson, students utilize problem solving strategies to complete word problems written on the board involving making purchases with money. Students...
Curated OER
Use Guess and Check to Solve Math Problems
In this problem solving worksheet, learners read about using the guess and check strategy for solving math word problems. They use the strategy to solve 8 problems. They read about the working backwards and using visuals as problem...
EngageNY
Percent Increase and Decrease
Increase the percent of pupils that are fluent in solving change problems with an activity that asks class members to look at problems that involve either increases or decreases and to express the change in terms of the percent of the...
Curated OER
Spin Your Turbines
Students relate electrical power and how it works to math. In this geometry instructional activity, students analyze how a hydroelectric plant works and calculate the amount of electricity that is produced by a typical generator. This...
Curated OER
Simple Strategies
Here is a fabulous lesson plan on problem solving strategies for your charges. In it, learners are presented with many excellent techniques they can use when faced with a multi-step math word problem. Some terrific blackline masters are...
Curated OER
Problem-Solving Strategies in Word Problems
Learners examine how to determine which strategy to use to solve word problems. In this word problem strategy lesson, students listen to a lecture on the process of using different strategies to solve math problems. They look at guess...
Curated OER
Life is Full of Problems
Pupils use the problem solving strategy of guess and check to investigate math word problems. They determine which problem solving strategy or strategies would work best in problem situations.