Mr. L’s Math

This post is an extension of the related post, Backwards Math activity, that shows some of the many variations that teachers have created for this activity in their classrooms. The original activity asks students to use four 4’s to create expressions to equal all the integers from 1 to 100.

One of the variations shows 10 different ways to use four 4’s to create expressions equalling one. In doing so we see parentheses, place value, decimals, square roots, exponents, and more. Factorials and the greatest integer function could also be used to give students a richer experience.

As students see these ways to combine fours, their number sense deepens and their creativity increases. The next step extending this activity might be looking for 10 ways to use four 4’s to create expressions equalling two.

As students gain confidence they are willing to explore new and novel combinations of numbers and their numerical flexibility improves. This is great news for teachers as they ask their students to be able to see and explore algebraic expressions. Give this a try and marvel at the amazing expressions your students will create!

- Mr. L