Surf for More Math

Lesson 5 - Solve Problems by Solving Simpler Problems

Use these interactive activities to encourage students to have fun on the Web while learning how to solve problems by solving simpler problems. Students can try these activities on their own or in pairs.

Goal

Solve problems by breaking them into smaller parts.

Builds Upon

Student Book pages 232-233

Instructions for Use

Touch Pegs lets students find the area of shapes by dividing them into smaller parts.

To use Touch Pegs, select a blue band under "Bands" then drag it to any location on the grid. Release the band to anchor it. A red node appears at the top of the band. Click on any part of the band and drag it in any direction. It will stretch like a rubber band. Release the band to secure it to a point on the grid. Secure the band to other points on the grid to form a shape.

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To colour the area inside the shape, click on the shape's outline and then click one of the colour buttons to the left of the grid.

Calculate the area of the shape you created. Click the "Measures" button to check your answer. Click on the "Clear" button to start the exercise over again.

Area Explorer allows students to measure the area of irregular shapes by dividing them into smaller parts.

To use Area Explorer, slide the "Adjust Perimeter" slider to the left and then click the "Draw New Shape" button. Determine what the shape's area is and type the answer into the text box. Click the "Check Answer" button to check your answer.

To display a new shape, click the "Draw New Shape" button.