2.2.

1 Composing and Decomposing #s Name:

Cecil is an acrobat in a local circus. His job is to move across a
tightrope from point A to point B while blindfolded! He can only move
using the distances that you tell him to move in your instructions. He
needs to reach the end of the tightrope (point B) to take his bow and
go down a ladder. Assume the platforms on both sides of the
tightrope extend infinitely (have no end). Cecil may go past the
ladder. However, if he does, make sure he turns around and goes
back toward the ladder.

Your Task: Work with your team to find different combinations of the lengths given in
parts (a) through (e) below that will allow Cecil to move from point A and end at point B
(the end of the tightrope). You may use each length as many times as you like.

For each crossing, look for at least three different ways to get the acrobat across. For
each solution, draw a diagram on your paper that shows how the available lengths were
combined to get Cecil across the tightrope.

a. Span of tightrope:_________ Given lengths: _______, ________, ________, ________

b. Span of tightrope:_________ Given lengths: _______, ________, ________, ________

c. Span of tightrope:_________ Given lengths: _______, ________, ________, ________

d. Span of tightrope:_________ Given lengths: _______, ________, ________, ________

To represent the way that the acrobat could move across a span of 17 feet, Mara wrote the expressions
shown below. If each number represents a length in feet, check that each expression would get Cecil
exactly to point B. Be prepared to defend each conclusion with a diagram.

a. 7 + 3 + 7
b. 10 + 10 + (3)
a. What does the 3 in part (d) represent as a movement for Cecil?

When combining lengths to make a new length (like you did to get the acrobat across the rope), does
the order of the numbers (or lengths) matter? Discuss this with your team or partner and decide
whether it matters or not. Be ready to explain why your answer makes sense.




Friday HW: Name:

Below are some new distances with given lengths to help Cecil cross the tightrope. Find at
least two ways to get Cecil across. Write your solutions as numerical expressions.

a. Span of tightrope: 6 feet Given lengths: 1, 3, 4 feet

b. Span of tightrope: 8 feet Given lengths: 2, 5, 7 feet

Friday HW: Name:

Below are some new distances with given lengths to help Cecil cross the tightrope. Find at
least two ways to get Cecil across. Write your solutions as numerical expressions.

c. Span of tightrope: 6 feet Given lengths: 1, 3, 4 feet

d. Span of tightrope: 8 feet Given lengths: 2, 5, 7 feet