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Creating Equations with Unknowns

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Creating Equations with Unknowns worksheet preview

Creating Equations with Unknowns

Students solving math equations

🎯 WALT: We Are Learning To

Today we are learning to:

  • Create simple numerical equations involving unknowns
  • Represent real-life situations using equations

📋 Success Criteria

I can identify unknown values in number sentences

I can write an equation to represent a practical problem

I can explain how my equation matches the situation

📝 Part 1: Writing Equations from Stories

1. Sarah has 6 stickers. Her friend gives her some more stickers. Now she has 10 stickers altogether. Write an equation to show this story.

Equation: _____ + _____ = _____

2. There were some birds sitting on a fence. 4 more birds joined them. Now there are 12 birds in total. Write an equation with an unknown.

Equation: _____ + _____ = _____

3. Tom had $15. He bought a toy and now has $8 left. Write an equation to find how much the toy cost.

Equation: _____ - _____ = _____

4. Choose the correct equation for this story: "Mia collected some shells. She found 7 more shells. Now she has 15 shells."

7 + □ = 15

□ + 7 = 15

15 - 7 = □

All of the above are correct

✏️ Part 2: Create Your Own Problems

5. Write your own real-life story problem that uses addition with an unknown. Then write the equation.

My story:

My equation: ________________

6. Write a story problem about spending money that uses subtraction with an unknown.

My story:

My equation: ________________

7. Extension Challenge: Create a two-step problem involving both addition and subtraction.

My story:

My equations: ________________ and ________________

8. Explain in your own words: What does the unknown (□) represent in an equation?

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