Subtraction

Gr 5_NF_FractionsSubtraction_Problem_Critique_FractionDifferences

Fraction differences is a task designed for fifth graders to critique a comparison of two differences of fractions. The task highlights the skills of finding a common denominator, finding equivalent fractions, subtracting fractions, and comparing fractions. Students must agree or disagree with the student’s comparison of the differences, and explain his or her answer.

Microsoft Word version: 5_NF_FractionsSubtraction_Problem_Critique_FractionDifferences

PDF version: 5_NF_FractionsSubtraction_Problem_Critique_FractionDifferences

Gr 3_OA_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_1

I used this task with my 3rd grade students. The purpose of this task was to notice how to use regrouping when subtracting. I wanted students to recognize and understand when it is appropriate to regroup when subtracting. The students were given 2 different answers for the same subtraction problem. The student had to decide which answer was correct. The student had a place to include their claim and argument, as well as have time to discuss with a partner and record their partner’s thoughts.

Gr 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_WordProblem_Construct

This task is a set of addition and subtraction word problems with three follow up questions created for third graders. Double-digits are used in the word problems and students must decide for themselves when to use addition or subtraction through the construction of the responses. The follow up questions contain argumentative language and ask students to describe how they solved the problem, the warrants behind it, and a claim and evidence pertaining to a partner’s strategy.

Microsoft Word version: 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_WordProblem_Construct

PDF version: 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_WordProblem_Construct

Gr 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_TalkFrame_Critique

This task is geared towards third graders. The task states a problem asking for the difference between two quantities and asks students to crititque two statements about the problem: Is finding the difference an addition or subtraction problem? Students are provided space to think about the problem, make a claim, and provide evidence. This task could start a class discussion about how students might think differently about subtraction problems. Some students may state that this is subtraction because one can subtract the two quantities to find a difference while other students may look at this as an addition problem by looking at how much must be added to one quantity to get to the next.

Microsoft Word version: 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_TalkFrame_Critique

PDF version: 3_OA_SubtractionAddition_TalkFrame_Critique

Gr 3_OA_AdditionSubtraction_WordProblem_Construct

I used this task with my 3rd grade students. The problems are basic addition and subtraction word problems. Although this is a concept students had previously learned at earlier grade levels, it is something that is good to spiral back to. Both problems gave students an opportunity to use regrouping. I had found that many of my students would tense up when seeing math word problems, and instead of showing their work or providing reasoning, would simply put a single number. This task forced students to actually show they reasoning and how they got to their answers, instead of simply writing “the answer.” The task also left room for students to discuss the findings with a partner and record how their partner solved them.

Microsoft Word version: 3_OA_AdditionSubtraction_WordProblem_Construct

PDF version: 3_OA_AdditionSubtraction_WordProblem_Construct

Gr 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique

This task is an application of double-digit subtraction. Students must critique student work that uses subtraction incorrectly. The student work highlights a common error in multi-digit subtraction in which students forget to borrow when subtracting a larger digit from a smaller digit. The task encourages partner share and uses argumentation language including claim and evidence.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique

PDF version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique

Gr 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop

Airplanes in the Toyshop is a multi-digit subtraction problem used in a third-grade classroom to reinforce the use of the subtraction algorithm. Students are given a word problem about how many planes are left after a certain amount are sold and must critique a student response. Argumentation language is used when asking students to create a claim and provide evidence when critiquing the provided response.

Microsoft Word version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop

PDF version: 3_NBT_SubtractionMultiDigitAlgorithm_Problem_Critique_AirplanesInTheToyshop

Gr 2_OA_Subtraction_Problem_Critique_AgreeOrDisagree

This task is for second graders trying to understand the properties of single-digit subtraction. Students must agree or disagree on if the commutative property is true for subtraction. Agree or Disagree? asks students to explain their thinking.

Microsoft Word version: 2_OA_Subtraction_Problem_Critique_AgreeOrDisagree

PDF version: 2_OA_Subtraction_Problem_Critique_AgreeOrDisagree