Template for Rich Mathematics Problems
Task Name: Four 4’s
Grade Level: 7
Standard(s): 7.NS.1, 7.NS.2, 7.NS.3
Source: http://17goldenfish.com/2013/10/06/one-of-my-favorite-number-activities-is-the-4-4s/
Brief Description of Task / Instructions:
Use four 4’s and any operations to make certain target numbers.
Problem Text:
The problem asks students to use four 4’s and any operations they can think of to get to each
target number – for instance, every integer from 1 and 100.
The basic arithmetic operations +, -, ×, ÷ along with exponents, roots, decimals (4.4 or .4),
concatenation (44), percentages, repeating decimals (.44…), are all allowed – and some
funky ones are necessary (just try to get to 73 or 77!).
Depending on the level you’re teaching, you might include more advanced operations. This is
easily differentiated as well – some specific numbers can be assigned to students who
needed quick success or more challenging work.
Problem Graphics:
Extension:
Foxy Fives: http://fawnnguyen.com/2012/10/02/foxy-fives---cuz-its-better-than-four-fours.aspx
Sheet 1 and Sheet 2 for 6th grade, and Sheet 3 for 8th grade
Sheet 3:
● Use these five numbers: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11. (Notice these are the first five prime numbers!)
● Using all five numbers (each exactly once), make the totals indicated in each problem.
Write each combination as an equation.