Close

Mathematical Practices and Processes

Problem Solving Reasoning and Representing and Seeing Patterns and

Make sense of problems and persevere
in solving them.
Proficient math thinkers are able to read through a
problem situation and can put together a workable
solution path to solve the problem posed. They
analyze the information provided and identify
constraints and dependencies. They identify
multiple entries to a problem solution and will
choose an efficient and effective entry point.
Consider these questions to help you make sense of
Communicating
Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
Proficient math thinkers make sense of quantities
in problem situations. They represent a problem
situation using symbols or equations and explain
what the symbols or equation represent in
relationship to a problem situation. As they model
a situation symbolically or mathematically, they
explain the meaning of the quantities.
Consider these questions to help you reason
Connecting
Model with mathematics.
Proficient math thinkers use mathematics
to represent a problem situation and make
connections between a real-world problem
situation and mathematics. They see the
applicability of mathematics to solve every-day
problems and explain how geometry can be used
to solve a carpentry problem or algebra to solve
a proportional relationship problem. They define
Generalizing
Look for and make use of patterns.
Proficient math thinkers see mathematical patterns
in the problems they are solving and generalize
mathematics principles from these patterns. They
see complicated expressions or equations as single
objects composed of many parts.
Consider these questions to help you see structure.
Can I see a pattern in the problem or solution

MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES AND PROCESSES

problems.
What am I asked to find?
What are the quantities and variables? The
dependencies and the constraints? How do
they relate?
What are some possible strategies to solve the
problem?
Attend to precision.
Proficient math thinkers communicate clearly and
precisely the approach they are using. They identify
the meaning of symbols that they use and always
remember to specify units of measure and to label
accurately graphical models. They use mathematical
terms precisely and express their answers with the
appropriate degree of accuracy.
Consider these questions to help you attend to
precision.
Have I stated the meaning of the variables
and symbols I am using?
Have I specified the units of measure I am
using?
Have I calculate accurately?
abstractly and quantitatively.
How can I represent the problem using
equations or formulas?
What do the numbers, variables, and symbols
in the equation or formula represent?
Construct viable arguments and
critique the reasoning of others.
Proficient math thinkers and problem solvers
communicate their problem solutions clearly and
convincingly. They construct sound mathematical
arguments and develop and defend conjectures
to explain mathematical situations. They make
use of examples and counterexamples to support
their arguments and justify their conclusions. When
asked, they respond clearly and logically to the
positions and conclusions of others, and compare
two arguments, identifying any flaws in logic or
reasoning that the arguments may contain. They
ask questions to clarify or improve the position of a
classmate.
Consider these questions to help you construct
mathematical arguments.
What assumptions can I make when
constructing an argument?
What conjectures can I make about the
solution to the problem?
What arguments can I present to defend my
conjectures?
and map relationships among quantities in a strategy?
problem, using appropriate tools. They analyze How can I use the pattern I see to help me
the relationships and draw conclusions about the solve the problem?
solutions.
Consider these questions to help you model with
mathematics.
What representations can I use to show the
relationship among quantities or variables?
What assumptions can I make about the
problem situation to simplify the problem?
Use appropriate tools strategically. Look for generalizations.
Proficient math thinkers strategize about which Proficient math thinkers notice when calculations
tools are more helpful to solve a problem situation. are repeated and can uncover both general
They consider all tools, from paper and pencil to methods and shortcuts for solving similar problems.
protractors and rulers, to calculators and software
Consider these questions to help you look for
applications. They articulate the appropriateness
regularity in repeated reasoning.
of different tools and recognize which would
best serve the needs for a given problem. They Do I notice any repeated calculations or steps?
are especially insightful about technological tools Are there general methods that I can use to
and use them in ways that deepen or extend their solve the problem?
understanding of concepts. They also make use of
What can I generalize from one problem to
mental tools, such as estimation, to determine the
another?
appropriateness of a solution.
How reasonable are the results that I am
Consider these questions to help you use getting?
appropriate tools.
What tool can I use to help me solve the
problem?
How can technology help me solve the
problem?

x MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES AND PROCESSES Go Online | SavvasRealize.com MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES AND PROCESSES xi

1x