Activity Source
Technology Requirement
No Internet Access Required
Appropriate Grade Levels
Grades 3 - 12
Parents can modify for younger children
The Four 4's problem is one that is easy to understand but challenging at the same time! You are given four 4's but no other numbers to work with. You must use the four 4's and any operations to create problems that have solutions from 1 through 20. For more information on this activity, use the activity link above.
Here's a start
4/4 + 4 - 4 = 1 (4/4 = 1; 1 + 4 = 5; 5 - 4 = 1 )
This was one way to get a solution of 1. Are there other ways? Get out a sheet of paper or a whiteboard and number it 1 through 20. Can you find ways to come up with solutions for 1 through 20 by only using four 4's and operations? How many can you find? Can problems be created for all solutions through 20?
If you have younger kids, modify the activity by finding only certain solutions or by using different numbers. Challenge older students to use more advanced operations in their solutions.
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