Lesson plan

9. Solving two-step word problems using a variable and more complex story structure (FP)

  • From K-5 Math Companion Curriculum
  • Created by
  • Standards
  • Tags:
teaches Common Core State Standards 3.OA.D.8 http://corestandards.org/Math/Content/3/OA/D/8
teaches Common Core State Standards MP2 http://corestandards.org/Math/Practice/MP2
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Lesson objective: Solve two-step word problems including a variable in any part of the equation. 

This lesson helps to build procedural skill with solving two-step word problems including a variable in any part of the equation. A variable is used here because it supports the representation of the unknown quantity. This work develops students' understanding that you can represent unknown quantities in equations using letters.

Students engage in Mathematical Practice 2 (Reason abstractly and quantitatively) as they create logical representations of the problem at hand including a variable for the unknown quantity.

Key vocabulary:

  • equation
  • unknown quantity
  • variable