Math Problem Solving Steps

Organizing information to promote problem solving; using modeling and representations to visualize abstract concepts; reflecting on, revising, justifying, and extending the work. Powerful Problem Solving shows what's possible when students become active doers rather than passive consumers of mathematics. Max argues that the process of sense-making truly begins when. Lesson 4: Problem Solving. Chapter 4: Multiplication Tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9. Lesson 1: Multiplying and Dividing by 6. Lesson 2: Multiplying and Dividing by 7. Lesson 3: Multiplying and Dividing by 8. Lesson 4: Multiplying and Dividing by 9. Lesson 5: Problem Solving. Chapter 6: Mental Math. Lesson 1: Mental Addition. Lesson 2: Mental Subtraction. Basic Math Plan. Basic Math Solver offers you solving online fraction problems, metric conversions, power and radical problems. You can find area and volume of rectangles, circles, triangles, trapezoids, boxes, cylinders, cones, pyramids, spheres. You can simplify and evaluate expressions, factor/multiply polynomials, combine expressions.

Learn how students become proficient problem solvers by looking through the lens of the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Discover fresh approaches to problem solving and activities that will transform your students into active participants in math—all while promoting deep mathematical thinking.

Author: Max Ray-Riek

Max Ray-Riek is a curriculum writer at Illustrative Mathematics and is the lead author of Powerful Problem Solving: Activities for Sense Making with the Math Practices. He previously worked for The Math Forum, focusing on fostering problem solving, communication, and valuing student thinking. Max is a former secondary mathematics teacher who regularly presents at regional and national conferences.

Problem of the Week

The Problem of the Week (PoW) resources featured in Powerful Problem Solving are generously provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). For additional Problem of the Week resources, join NCTM by clicking here.

Primary

Problem #5027 - Charlie's Gumballs
Problem #4955 - Counting Shells
Problem #4247 - How Far Will Taylor Run?
Problem #4451 - How Many Berries Did I Eat?
Problem #3539 - Pizza Night
Problem #5039 - The Arm Wrestling Match

Math Fundementals

Problem #16988 - All Aboard!
Problem #3055 - Birthday Trip
Problem #673 - Cat Walk
Problem #2827 - Cupcakes, Cupcakes!
Problem #4507 - Eating Grapes
Problem #4555 - Emmy's Action Figures
Problem #4711 - Frog Farming
Problem #5143 - Growing Worms
Problem #878 - I Get a Kick Out of Soccer!
Problem #4663 - Marble Mayhem
Problem #4615 - Sharing Smelt
Problem #4579 - Shopping at the School Store
Problem #3151 - So Many Salmon
Problem #5299 - Sports Weigh In
Problem #2803 - Teresa's Tiles
Problem #3967 - Trapezoid Teatime
Problem #5155 - Wooden Legs
Problem #5275 - Zoo Train

Pre-Algebra

Math Problem Solving Methods

Problem #4532 - Counting Chicken Wings
Problem #3416 - Forming Triangles from a Folding Ruler
Problem #3572 - Integer Images
Problem #16004 - Kaytee's Contest
Problem #5180 - Lillian's Lines
Problem #5216 - Movie Seating
Problem #5156 - Ostrich Llama Count
Problem #410 - Trick-or-Treat Route
Problem #3128 - Women's Walkway

Algebra

Problem #4648 - Crossed Wires
Problem #736 - Don't Be Square
Problem #5116 - Eating Contest
Problem #4576 - Flying Off the Shelves
Problem #5212 - Symbol Logic
Problem #5140 - To B or Not To B

Geometry

Math Problem Solving Strategies

Problem #17000 - Arranging Rectangles!
Problem #2703 - Congruent Rectangles
Problem #5127 - Where's Juanita Walking?

Handouts

Math Problem Solving Chapter 1 Answer Key

The PDF handouts below relate to lessons and activities featured in Powerful Problem Solving.