standard_description: Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example, see x^(4) – y^(4 )as (x^(2))^(2 )– (y^(2))^(2), thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored as (x^(2 )– y^(2))(x^(2 )+ y^(2)).
problem_activity: Stage 2: Subtract from 20
Required Preparation
Materials to Gather
Number cards 0–10
Materials to Copy
Blackline Masters
How Close? Stage 2 Recording Sheet

Narrative
Before playing, students remove the cards that show the number 10 and set them aside.
Each student picks 4 cards and chooses 2 or 3 to subtract from 20 to get close to 0. The student whose difference is closest to 0 wins a point for the round. Students pick new cards so that they have 4 cards in their hand and then start the next round.


aligns: no