Help me solve this 3rd grade math problem

the · 01-09-2007, 07:04 PM

I don't know if there's an error in it, but I don't get it.

It is "Equation Building."

Student is given numbers and signs. The student is to combine the numbers and signs to get a solution that is an answer choice.

Example: 1 2 3 - x

Choices: 1; 2; 3; 4; 6

What is the answer, and why? Remember, this is a third grade level.

It seems to me there's a mistake in it, the "minus" sign should be an "equals" sign??

vangndy · 07:22 PM

If this is the same i used to do in school there is no equals sign given, how to do it is take the three numbers, 1, 2, 3, and arrange them in such a manner with the two operation signs, -, x, such that the solution equals on e of the options. The easy one here would be 1x3-2 the solution would be 1. there may or may not be others, i keep poking at it. also 3x1-2 but i think thats it

the · 01-09-2007, 07:24 PM

That makes sense, but I'm not sure there are supposed to be multiple correct answers. Here, "1" would be correct, as you've shown, but 3-1x2=4, etc.

But I think you're probably right, thanks!

vangndy · 01-09-2007, 07:29 PM

"3-1x2=4"
order of operations 1x2 first
3-(1x2)
3-2=1
similarly 3-2x1
still same solution (1) though

snowman · 08:01 PM

Total BS. I have a MSEE degree with a minor in nuk physics and this kind of problem is totally worthless, period. It teaches nothing and turns off 3rd graders and almost everyone to math. Its simply NONSENSE.

The ONLY appropriate application of this kind of problem is for some kind of game show, nothing else.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

I'm with vangndy - the only visible solution is 1 following order of operations. Otherwise, 4 is the other possibility if parenthesis were in the mix.

island911 · 01-10-2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by the
I don't know if there's an error in it, but I don't get it.

It is "Equation Building."

Student is given numbers and signs. The student is to combine the numbers and signs to get a solution that is an answer choice.

Example: 1 2 3 - x

Choices: 1; 2; 3; 4; 6

What is the answer, and why? Remember, this is a third grade level.

It seems to me there's a mistake in it, the "minus" sign should be an "equals" sign??

It seems to me there's a mistake in the wording. " Example:" . . or are you saying that this is an example of the numbers and signs to be used to combine to the solutions labled "choices" ?

if so, i'm w/ the others...

3-2x1 ...gives the solution (aka equals) 1
3x1-2 = 1
3-1 = 2
2-1x3 = 3
3-1x2 = 4
3x2-1 = 5 (extra credit)
3x2 = 6

Poorly worded questions really help the teacher get a good spread in the grading. . . beyond "smart" there is the "do I give a crap" quotion -- where a certain percentage of student see the question as WTF- - next...

the · 01-10-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by island911
It seems to me there's a mistake in the wording. " Example:" . . or are you saying that this is an example of the numbers and signs to be used to combine to the solutions labled "choices" ?

I'm not sure what it is saying, I've quoted the problem verbatim. But I think the numbers and signes are to be used to combine to the solution labeled "choices."

"Student is given numbers and signs. The student is to combine the numbers and signs to get a solution that is an answer choice.

Example: 1 2 3 - x

Choices: 1; 2; 3; 4; 6"

It's still a bit unclear to me, "1" seems to be the right answer for the reasons some have said above, but I don't think third graders necessarily know order of operation. I don't think most kids who are half way through third grade would come close to getting this correct.

Hoots · 01-10-2007, 07:35 AM

That one is easy to figure out. Do you have anymore?

Scott at Pelican Parts · Scott at Pelican Parts's Garage

All answers are correct. The important thing is to not tell the child they are wrong and therefore damage one's self-esteem ;-)

nineoneone · 01-10-2007, 11:44 AM

1 2 3 is 6......1+2+3=6 why would you give a 3rd grader a problem of this type anyways even if it is to use the number and signs there are too many answers.

snowman · 01-10-2007, 07:00 PM

Clearly to confuse them. There is no other good explanation.

esther · 01-10-2007, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by the

Student is given numbers and signs. The student is to combine the numbers and signs to get a solution that is an answer choice.

Example: 1 2 3 - x

Choices: 1; 2; 3; 4; 6

Instructions do not state that the student must use ALL of the given numbers and signs.

At a 3rd grade level, it very well may be that this is a function of how creative the student can get with his/her combination of these numbers/signs to come up with one of the answers.

How many different ways can the student come up with the answer of 1 (etc) using any form of combination possibilities... and not necessarily using all of the numbers/signs...

That's how I would approach this if my son were given this assignment...