Solving Math Word Problems with the Four Square Technique

What is the primary purpose of the Four Square Technique?

• To memorize mathematical formulas

• To draw complex diagrams

• To organize thoughts and data for solving word problems

• To solve algebraic equations

Tags

CCSS.7.EE.A.2

CCSS.HSA.SSE.A.2

What is the first step in the Four Square Technique?

• Drawing a diagram

• Writing an explanation

• Writing a number sentence

• Identifying and writing down keywords

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Where should you write down all the important information from the problem?

• In the diagram box

• In the keywords box

• In the number sentence box

• In the explanation box

Tags

CCSS.1.OA.A.1

What should you try to include in the second box of the Four Square Technique?

• A number sentence

• A list of keywords

• A diagram

• An explanation

Tags

CCSS.1.OA.A.1

What type of diagram should you draw for simpler problems?

• Tables

• Complex trigonometric diagrams

• Circles and squares

• Graphs

What is the purpose of the number sentence in the Four Square Technique?

• To write an explanation

• To draw a diagram

• To create an equation based on the keywords and diagram

• To summarize the problem

Tags

CCSS.1.OA.A.1

If John is 4 years older than Ben, how would you represent this in a number sentence?

• b - 4

• 4 + b

• b + 4

• 4 - b

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.B.6

What should you do in the explanation box?

• Create a number sentence

• Write down keywords

• Justify your answer and ensure it makes sense

• Draw a diagram

Tags

CCSS.2.OA.A.1

Why is it important to write an explanation for your answer?

• To create a more complex number sentence

• To list more keywords

• To draw a better diagram

• To make sure your answer is clear and logical

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

What is the final step in the Four Square Technique?

• Drawing a diagram

• Writing a number sentence

• Writing an explanation

• Identifying keywords

Tags

CCSS.1.OA.A.1