Variables Represent Unknowns

Grade 445 min

aligned to 5.pfa.2 The Student Will Investigate And Use Variables In Contextual Problems.

Learning Objective

I can explain that a variable, like a letter or a shape, is used to represent an unknown number in a real-world problem, such as calculating the total cost when the price of each item is unknown.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Variables, Expressions, and Equations | Math with Mr. J

Unknown Channel

Practice

14 min

7 questions β€’ Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

β€œMaria is buying cookies for a party. She knows she needs 5 cookies per person but doesn't know how many people are coming. If she uses the variable 'p' to represent the number of people, what does 'p' stand for in this situation? David is saving money to buy a new bicycle. He earns the same amount each week, but he doesn't know how much. If he uses the variable 'w' to represent how much he earns each week, what does 'w' stand for in this situation?”

Teacher Guide

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  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts