standard_description: Explain each step in solving a simple equation as following from the equality of numbers asserted at the previous step, starting from the assumption that the original equation has a solution. Construct a viable argument to justify a solution method.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of an Estimation Exploration is to practice the skill of estimating a reasonable answer based on experience and known information.
Launch
Groups of 2
Display the expression.
“What is an estimate that’s too high? Too low? About right?”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
“Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
1 minute: partner discussion
Record responses.
Student Facing
\(4 \times 18\)
Record an estimate that is:
|                    too low                     |                  about right                   |                    too high                    |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) | \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) | \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) |
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Student Response.
Activity Synthesis
Consider asking:
“Is anyone’s estimate less than ___? Is anyone’s estimate greater than ___?”
“Based on this discussion does anyone want to revise their estimate?”


aligns: no