Young scholars 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.

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...

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...

Fifth graders practice solving word problems using highlighted strategies. For this word problem lesson, 5th graders brainstorm and  use words as clues that indicate the math operations that will be used to solve problems. They use...

Why is "ambulance" written backwards on emergency vehicles? Young geometers apply principles of symmetry to translate words written backwards. See if your school or district subscribes to Jobland, where you can view a clip that explains...

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...

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.

The risk of contracting an infection in the hospital is low, but it does happen. Learn what risk factors have the highest correlation with hospital-acquired infections in the final lesson of a three-part series. Using the open source R...

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...

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...

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...

Fourth graders perform computation based on a cup of rice.  In this rice math instructional activity, 4th graders complete math examples and problems using rice for manipulatives. Students participate in an online game based on rice...

In this geometry worksheet, learners 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.

Fifth graders read and write equations. In this equation writing activity, 5th graders use real life scenarios to write equations. Students use manipulatives, draw pictures and make tables to understand how to write equations. Students...

Students 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 x...

Turn your math lesson plan 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...

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.

Second graders examine human body movements by measuring the choreography of a dance.  For this physical education lesson, 2nd graders participate in a creative dance which is based on specific movements of each limb, which students...

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.

Using a 100s chart or a number line with a pointer, work with your class to count up to 100 by ones and tens. As a part of daily instruction, prompt your kindergartners to chant count from 1 to 30. Move on to 1 to 50, and then from 1 to...

Welcome to the backward world of negative numbers. This introductory instructional activity teaches young mathematicians that negative numbers are simply the opposite of positive numbers as they use number lines to plot...

Young scholars use number lines to compare differences. In this math lesson, students use a number line to solve problems. Young scholars predict differences and answer puzzles using subtraction.

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...

Students factor trinomials using algebra tiles and blocks. In this algebra activity, students complete a trinomials station activity. They work backwords to find their answers and discuss their steps in a group.