Illustrative Mathematics
Gotham City Taxis
Taxi! Have your travelers figure out how far they can go in a taxi for $10.00. They must account for the mileage rate and tip in their calculation. They can set up a table or make an equation to solve for the exact mileage they can...
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,...
EngageNY
Introduction to Simultaneous Equations
Create an understanding of solving problems that require more than one equation. The lesson introduces the concept of systems of linear equations by using a familiar situation of constant rate problems. Pupils compare the graphs of...
EngageNY
Linear Equations in Disguise
In the eighth segment of a 33-part unit, learners look at equations that do not appear to be linear at first glance. The equations are proportions where the numerators and denominators may have more than one term. To round out the...
EngageNY
Bacteria and Exponential Growth
It's scary how fast bacteria can grow — exponentially. Class members solve exponential equations, including those modeling bacteria and population growth. Lesson emphasizes numerical approaches rather than graphical or algebraic.
EngageNY
Deriving the Quadratic Formula
Where did that formula come from? Lead pupils on a journey through completing the square to discover the creation of the quadratic formula. Individuals use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations and compare the method to...
EngageNY
One-Step Equations—Addition and Subtraction
Just one step is all you need to find success in solving equations. The 27th installment in a series of 36 teaches how to solve one-step equations involving addition and subtraction. Tape diagrams help future mathematicians in this task.
Virginia Department of Education
Cover Up Problems
Don't cover up this resource — use it out in the open! Pupils learn how to cover up various parts of a linear equation in order to help solve the equation. A worksheet of problems provides practice with this skill.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Listening Exercise
Active listening is key to interacting with others in a way that shows respect. To develop their skill as listeners, high schoolers first play the "Telephone Game" to demonstrate some of the problems that arise in communication. Pairs...
National Security Agency
Partying with Proportions and Percents
Examine ratios and proportions in several real-world scenarios. Children will calculate unit rates, work with proportions and percentages as they plan a party, purchase produce, and take a tally. This lesson plan recommends five...
EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Determine Area
What do you do when you don't think you have enough information? You look for another way to do the problem! Pupils combine what they know about finding the area of a triangle and trigonometry to determine triangle area when they don't...
EngageNY
Solving Problems by Function Composition
Stay composed while solving problems. Learners put their knowledge of compositions to solve problems. To connect with the concept, scholars compose equations to answer questions from real-world situations. Finally, pupils practice using...
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,...
Curated OER
Using Basic Properties to Solve Problems in Math
Learners identify and define the rules of properties of real numbers. They rewrite each of the problems listed using the commutative or associative properties. Pupils apply problem solving strategies to clarify situations in a table...
Curated OER
Modeling Mania Math Topic: Using Models
Learners examine problem solving techniques when working on spatial problems. They discover how models, sketches, and drawings can be used to understand on something works. They design a model of a bridge using given dimensions and...
EngageNY
Solving Percent Problems II
Fill in the blanks to find the best discount! Groups complete a table of amounts and percents associated with sale items. Classmates then find the original cost, sale cost, discount amount, paid percent, or the discount percent based...
Curated OER
Finding the Area of Shapes
In this area of shapes unit, upper graders participate in hands-on problem solving activities to find the formulas for the area of a parallelogram, a triangle, and a trapezoid. They manipulate the geoboard to explore relationships among...
Curated OER
Boolean Algebra and its Application to Problem Solving and Logic Circuits
Introduce learners to the concept of Boolean Algebra. In groups, they are given real life situations in statements and make conclusions. They will use the statements to form compound statements. To end the lesson, they use the compound...
Code.org
Hard Problems – Traveling Salesperson Problem
Even computers find this to be a hard problem. In the eighth installment of a 12-part unit, young computer scientists learn about the traveling salesperson problem. They formulate algorithms to solve the problem and find out why it is...
Bowland
Torbury Festival
Have you been to Torbury Fair? In the set of four lessons, learners solve a myriad of problems related to a music festival, including situations involving floods, market stalls, cows, and emergency plans.
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...
EngageNY
Solutions of a Linear Equation
Use the distributive property to solve equations. The sixth lesson in a 33-part series has scholars solve equations that need to be transformed into simpler equations first. Class members apply the distributive property to the equations...
Curated OER
Part Part Whole
First graders solve number sentences. In this problem solving lesson, 1st graders construct addition sentences using a part part whole mat. Students demonstrate problem solving strategies using cubes.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Find a Pattern Using Children's Literature
Sixth graders listen to Demi's, On Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale. They use the problem solving strategy of finding a pattern to determine the number of rice Rani will receive after 30 days. They create a spreadsheet which...