Grade
3

Same & Different: On the Court

Look at the two pictures. What do you notice?

A. shows a basketball court and 2 players. One player, who is 237 inches from the basket, passes the ball to the other player, who is 152 inches closer to the basket. 237 minus 152. A number line shows 237 minus 100, then minus 37, then minus 10, then minus 5 to land at 85. B. shows a basketball court and 2 players. One player, who is 252 inches from the basket, passes the ball to the other player, who is 198 inches closer to the basket. 252 minus 198. A number line shows 198 + 2, then plus 50, then plus 2 to land at 252.
  1. How are pictures A and B mathematically the same, and how are they different?
    • A and B are the same because …
    • A and B are different because …
  2. Make a third picture that shows two students playing basketball. Explain how your picture is the same as pictures A and B, and how it is different.
Printable Version

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Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions