Transforming Multistep Word Problems to Equations

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

This video will introduce students to the skill of writing equations based on word problems. There is also a karaoke-style video that reminds students of the steps for transforming word problems into equations as well as important vocabulary words. There is a corresponding seven-question quiz that will be used to assess student understanding of this concept. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.3

Determine and justify solutions for multi-step word problems, including problems where remainders must be interpreted.

UP:MA19.4.3

Vocabulary

  • Operation
  • Multi Step problem
  • Remainder
  • Unknown quantity
  • Equation
  • Rounding
  • Mental strategy
  • Partition
  • Estimation
  • Reasonableness

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Context situations represented by the four operations.
  • How to calculate sums, differences, products, and quotients.
  • Estimation strategies to justify solutions as reasonable.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Solve multi-step word situations using the four operations.
  • Represent quantities and operations physically, pictorially, or symbolically.
  • Write equations to represent the word problem and use symbols to represent unknown quantities.
  • Use context and reasoning to interpret remainders.
  • Use estimation strategies to assess reasonableness of answers by comparing actual answers to estimates.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Using problem solving strategies will help them determine which operation to use to solve a problem.
  • Remainders must be interpreted based on the context, and remainders are sometimes ignored, rounded up, or partitioned.

Learning Objectives

Students will solve multistep word problems with whole numbers by representing these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. 

Activity Details

1. The teacher should play the video for the students. The teacher could also play the karaoke-style video for students which will help them remember important vocabulary associated with word problems, as well as the steps to transform a word problem into an equation. Printable lyrics are available.

2. After watching the video, the teacher should present the seven-question quiz (see the Variation Tips for presentation options). The students should write down their answers for the quiz questions on a sheet of paper.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher should take up students' answers from the quiz and assess for accuracy. 

The quiz answers and feedback are available on the digital resource website.

Variation Tips

The teacher could create anchor charts for the vocabulary words presented in the video and/or the steps for transforming a word problem to an equation. 

If needed, the teacher could complete the first few questions of the quiz to review the skill prior to having students complete questions on their own. Students could also work with a partner or small group to complete the questions. 

The teacher can play the video and show the quiz questions to the class as a whole, or the website could be shared with students to be viewed on their own digital devices. The students could complete the quiz online, rather than writing answers down on paper. 

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need internet access and video-playing capabilities. 

The students will need paper to write their answers for the quiz. 

ALSDE LOGO