Grade
5

Math in Our World: House Building

The foundation for a building has three main rectangular sections. The front section is 20 and 1-fourth feet by 9 and 1-third feet. The middle section is 20 and 1-fourth feet + 6 and 2-thirds feet + 9 and 9-fourths feet by 12 and 1-eighths feet. The back section is the same as the longer side of the middle section + 5 and 1-third feet by 24 and 1-fourth feet minus 12 and 1-eighth feet.

Kyra’s community is working together to build a two-story house.

They will cover these boards with plywood to create the first floor. Each sheet of plywood is 4 feet x 8 feet.

  1. Use pictures, models, or numbers to show what is happening.
  2. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
  3. What mathematical questions can you ask about this situation? Answer all the questions you can!
  • Draw a sketch. Label the known dimensions.
  • What measurements aren’t shown? What can you do to find those measurements?
  • Show your work to someone and explain your thinking. Did they understand?
  • Ask whether they have any other questions you can answer!

Use a tape measure or ruler to measure two rooms in your home. Sketch the dimensions. Which is larger? How do you know?

Printable Version

Google doc for printing and copying

Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions