Figuring Out The Unknowns

Instructions: Figuring Out The Unknowns is an activity

that has the student doing multiple problems that help
them figure out the unknown number. With each
problem come with different type of ways that there
can be unknown numbers. One way you can give these
problems is to just hand them a piece of paper and
have them work it out or you can use objects that help
show how things are being added on or taken away.
TEKS Strand: Algebraic Reasoning
Mathematical Concept: Reading, Writing, and
Identifying Numbers
Materials: Pencil, Worksheet, and if you wanted
objects to represent each example
TEKS Targeted
o 2.7 (C) - represent and solve addition and
subtraction word problems where unknowns may
be any one of the terms in the problem.
NCTM Standards:
o Illustrate general principles and properties of
operations, such as commutatively, using specific
numbers

Model situations that involve the addition and

subtraction of whole numbers, using objects,

pictures, and symbols.

o Use concrete, pictorial, and verbal representations
to develop an understanding of invented and
conventional symbolic notations.
CCRS Standard:
o II.D.1- Interpret multiple representations of
equations and relationships.
o II.D.2 - Translate among multiple representations
of equations and relationships.
Bibliography:

Harris, Jon. "Addition and Subtraction Problems." 3. N.p.,

2011. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archive/mims/parent_newsletters/
Addition&Subtraction_Problems_3/newsletter5.html

TypesofAdditionandSubtraction
Problems

Join:7+9=?
ResultUnknown

7+?=16
ChangeUnknown

St

Byronhas7shells.

Byronhas7shells.

Byronha

ThenMelissagave
him9moreshells.

MelissagiveByron
someshells.

Melissag
9more.

Howmanyshells
doesByronhave
now?
Separate:83=?

NowByronhas16shells.
Howmanyshells
didMellisagivehim?
8?=5

NowByr
Howman
Byronsta

ResultUnknown

ChangeUnknown

Colleenhas8guppies.

Colleenhas8guppies.

Colleenh
somegup

Shegave3
guppiestoRoger.

Shegavesomeguppies
toRoger.Thenshehad
5guppiesleft.

Shegave
toRoger
5guppie

Howmanyguppies
didColleengiveRoger?

Howman
didColle
startwith

Howmany
guppiesdoes
Colleenhaveleft?