8/2010
Math Power Words
READ and figure out what you are supposed to do.
EXPLAIN DESCRIBE
Show your thinking Give a variety of details about the items
“I think … because ….”
Give proof in your own words
Explain how you got your answer. Describe the shape of the graph.
SIMPLIFY COMPARE
Combine like terms Use evidence to show how the items are
to make computation easier alike and how they are different
Simplify the following expression: 5x- Compare these two graphs.
3y+2x+y-5
EVALUATE FORMULATE
Solve an expression given a value for the Develop or create
variable a way to solve the problem
Evaluate 2x + 3 if x = 6 Formulate a strategy
for solving this problem.
Writing Great Answers to Math Questions
1. READ the question, completely. (Underline the key action words.)
2. LOOK for multiple parts in the question. (Number each part.)
3. USE part of the question to start your answer.
4. START with “yes” or “no” when appropriate.
5. TELL why or why not.
6. INCLUDE details (mathematical evidence) that show how you arrived at your answer.
• Do you think the pattern will continue?
Yes, the pattern will continue because …
No, the pattern will not continue because …
• Would it make sense to …?
Yes, it would make sense to … because …
No, it would not make sense to … because …
8/2010