Lesson 17

Use the Four Operations to Solve Problems

Lesson Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is for students to solve two-step problems using all four operations.

Lesson Narrative

Previously, students have solved two-step problems involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Here they consider what mathematical questions could be asked about a situation and then solve two-step problems that include division where the factors are limited to single-digit numbers. Parentheses are revisited as a tool students can use to specify which operation happens first in the equation so that it matches the situation they are representing.

  • Engagement
  • MLR5

Learning Goals

Teacher Facing

  • Represent two-step word problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.
  • Solve two-step word problems using the four operations.

Student Facing

  • Let’s use the four operations to solve problems.

Required Materials

Materials to Gather

Materials to Copy

  • Centimeter Grid Paper - Standard

Required Preparation

CCSS Standards

Addressing

Lesson Timeline

Warm-up 10 min
Activity 1 15 min
Activity 2 20 min
Lesson Synthesis 10 min
Cool-down 5 min

Teacher Reflection Questions

How has your students’ understanding of two-step word problems evolved from previous lessons? How have their experiences with multiplication and division in this unit influenced their problem solving strategies?

Suggested Centers

  • Compare (1–5), Stage 3: Multiply within 100 (Addressing)
  • How Close? (1–5), Stage 5: Multiply to 100 (Addressing)

Print Formatted Materials

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Additional Resources

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