Figure This: Math Problem Solving

Details

Activity Description

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics sponsors this, Take a Challenge Web site that has 80 problem-solving challenges that can be used for algebra and geometry students. The site is also available in Spanish and if you do not have Internet access at your school, look for the link at the bottom of the page to Printing the Challenges for printed copies of each challenge.

Preparation

1. Look at the Math Index (where the challenges are arranged by math topic).
2. Select a problem reflecting current math topics.
3. After selecting a problem, use the links in the header or below the problem labeled Getting Started, Answer, Try These, Think About This, Did you know?, for more ideas on thinking about the base problem.

How-To

1. Review with the class the steps in solving story problems.
2. Review any skills needed.
3. Visit the site and show the problem.
4. Use the problem as discussion for class, small groups, pairs.
5. Work on the problem as a class.
6. Remind students they can access the site at home, maybe as a family project.

Teacher Tips

If you want a printed copy of the challenges/problems, follow the link at the bottom labeled Printing the Challenges .

More Ways

• Go through the Teacher Corner materials and assign "family homework."
• Show your students the Family Corner area that has tips on how they can help their children in school, especially in the area of math.

Program Areas

• ABE: Adult Basic Education
• ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation

Levels

• Intermediate
• High

Subjects

• Math
  • Conversions
  • Decimals
  • Fractions
  • Geometry
  • Percentages
  • Pre-Algebra
  • Proportions
  • Whole Number Skills

Standards

• Algebra: Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities
  • A.REI.1-2 - Understand solving equations as a process of reasoning and explain the reasoning.
  • A.REI.3-4 - Solve equations and inequalities in one variable.
  • A.REI.6 - Solve systems of equations.
  • A.REI.10 - Represent and solve equations and inequalities graphically.
• Functions: Building Functions
  • F.BF.1 - Build a function that models a relationship between two quantities.
• Functions: Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models
  • F.LE.1-1c - Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential models and solve problems.
• Statistics and Probability: Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data
  • S.ID.1, 3 - Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurable variable.
  • S.ID.5 - Summarize, represent, and interpret data on two categorical and quantitative variables.

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