Virginia SOL 5.PFA.2.b
The Standard
Write an equation (with a single variable that represents an unknown quantity and one operation) from a contextual situation, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will investigate and use variables in contextual problems.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students represent a missing amount with a letter. They use details in a story to write an equation showing the relationship among the known and unknown amounts.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students identify the unknown, assign it a letter, and choose the operation that matches the relationship. They write a complete equation and explain what each number and the variable represent.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may write an expression without an equals sign or solve for the missing amount instead of writing an equation. They may reverse subtraction or division, use a letter as a label, or choose an operation from a keyword without checking the situation.
How to Assess It
- Use this exit ticket: “Maya had 24 stickers and gave some away. She has 17 left. Write an equation using s for the number she gave away.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs counters and story cards, then have them model each story and record a matching equation with a letter.
Ask, “How do you know whether 24 ÷ n = 6 or 24 − n = 6 matches the story?”
Play an equation match game where students pair context cards with equation cards and justify one match to a partner.
Use a grocery receipt with one covered price, then ask students to write an equation that could find the hidden cost.
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Printable 5.PFA.2.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 5.PFA.2.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 7.PFA.3.d
Write a two-step linear equation in one variable to represent a verbal situation, including those in context.
- 6.PFA.3.e
Write a one-step linear equation in one variable to represent a verbal situation, including those in context.
- 4.CE.2.c
Create an equation using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to represent the relationship between equivalent mathematical expressions (e.g., 4 ...
- 5.PFA.2.d
Create and write a word problem to match a given equation with a single variable and one operation.
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