Unknowns, Expressions and… · B4 Mathematics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B4.2.2.2.7 - Create a problem for a given equation with one unknown.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Read a given equation with one unknown, such as 14 + [] = 21, and state what the unknown symbol represents.
Create their own story problem that matches a given one-step equation involving addition or subtraction.
Solve the created problem using guess and check, a number line, or the inverse operation, showing each step.
Explain clearly how their story problem matches the equation, identifying which part of the story is the unknown.
Check their solution by substituting the found value back into the original equation to verify it is correct.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Algebra (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Unknowns, Expressions and Equations (2.2)
Content standard: B4.2.2.2 - Solve one-step equations involving a symbol to represent an unknown number
Indicator: B4.2.2.2.7 - Create a problem for a given equation with one unknown.
Suggested placement: Term 3, Week 1 (Week 25 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Mathematics Curriculum for Primary Schools (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 35
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

E.g. 1. Provide an equation such as 14 + [] = 21 or 25 - [] = 18. Ask students to create a matching story problem and solve it. Observe to what extent students are able to:
-create a story to match the equation;
- explain the meaning of the unknown variable; and
- solve the problem in one or more way