Five pages on equations with all four operations and 4th grade numbers. Page 1 has students write the value of each side and circle True or False, as in 48 ÷ 6 = 2 × 4 and 12 × 5 = 50 + 5, then explain two, including the trap 6 × 8 = 48 + 2. Page 2 writes = or ≠ between two expressions with both sides worked out, then writes an expression with the same value using the sign shown, such as 6 × 4 = 48 ÷ 2. Page 3 finds the missing number in equations like 7 + 5 = 9 + □ and 140 ÷ □ = 60 ÷ 3, then circles every number that makes a comparison like 6 × □ > 40 true. Page 4 solves for a letter in any place, such as 1,000 − p = 640 and 126 = 9 × b, with a related equation, and matches four bar models to their equations. Page 5 shows two children who disagree about an equation: students circle the one who is right and tell why, then write an equation with a letter for two stories. Each part starts with a worked example.
Write 250 + 150 = 500 − 100 on the board and ask for a show of hands: true or false? Students who say false often think both sides must look alike, so have a partner work out each side before anyone explains. Before page 4, turn n × 8 = 96 into its related equation 96 ÷ 8 = n out loud, and ask which one is easier to work out. Page 5 makes a good partner task: one partner defends each child, then they agree.
Say an equation out loud, such as "nine times twelve equals one hundred eighteen", and ask whether it is true. Then hide a number: "something times six equals forty-two" and let your child find it and say the related equation.
This pack supports the following Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
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The equal sign with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on both sides, and letters that stand for unknown numbers. Students decide whether equations are true, write = or ≠, find missing numbers and letters, match bar models and check who is right.
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