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Gremlins
Number and Algebra, Level 1
Problem Oh no, gremlins have been in and covered up some numbers on the chart. Can you put the equations back together? 6+3=J 9-J=8 J-2=4 1+ J = 7 J+5=9 What is this problem about? This problem reinforces the use of addition and subtraction equations. Students become so accustomed to seeing addition equations in the form 1 + 5 = ___ and 5 2 = ___, that they automatically think that the "answer" is always the sum or the difference. If the students are only exposed to the traditional format they miss the opportunity to form understandings about all parts of the equation and how each part relates to the other. Relevant Achievement Objectives

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Number strategies AO1: use a range of counting, grouping, and equal-sharing strategies with whole numbers and fractions. Number knowledge AO2: know groupings with five, within ten, and with ten.

Specific Learning Outcomes The students will be able to:

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model and explain addition facts to 10 and then 20. model and explain subtraction facts to 10 and then 20. devise and use problem solving strategies (act, draw)

Resources

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Picture of gremlin "marks" to introduce the problem Copymaster of the problem (English) Copymaster of the problem (Mori)

Teaching Sequence 1. 2. 3. 4. Create the scenario of gremlins visiting the class and drawing faces in place of numbers. Read the problem to the class. Ask the students to think about ways that they could solve the problem. Let the students solve the problems. As they work circulate asking: Which numbers were easiest to figure out? Why? Which numbers were hardest to find? Why was that?

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How can you tell that you have found the right missing number? Do you think that more than one number might work? Why or why not? Share solutions. What strategy did you use to find the missing number? Did anyone use a different strategy?

Extension to the problem

The gremlins have covered more than one number. Find as many number combinations as you can that work J + J = 13 6+J=J
Other contexts for the problem

Ink spots on the page Solution 9, 1, 6, 6, 4

Solution to the Extension:

Level One will not be using negative numbers so there is a limited number of possibilities for ? + ? = 13. Check that the students have remembered the (0, 13) pairing. There are an infinite number of possibilites for 6 + ? = ? As the students work on this problem they will often use a sequence of numbers and notice the patterns in it, for example 6+1=7 6+2=8 6 + 3 = 9 etc

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