Make sense of problems and
persevere in solving them
 Explain the meaning of a problem, look for a way to begin
 Analyze and make a plan
 Monitor progress and adapt
 Use various mathematical representations/tools to explain
 Find a solution pathway – does it make sense?
 Persevere & work hard to solve/attempt different methods
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Reason abstractly and
quantitatively
 Ability to abstract a given idea (turn it into numbers or
variables)
 Explanations show careful reasoning and deep thinking
 Create a meaningful representation considering units involved
 Represent the problem with symbols, graphs, tables, or
functions
 Flexibly use different properties of operations
 Show understanding of numbers and the quantities they
represent
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Construct viable arguments and critique
the reasoning of others
 Use prior learning to analyze situations
 Communicate conclusions & respond to arguments of others
 Use evidence and reasoning to create logical arguments
 Debate reasonableness of arguments without attacking
 Make connections among different ideas in math and between
other subjects
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Model with mathematics
 Can apply mathematics to everyday situations & real numbers
 Apply assumptions and approximations where appropriate
 Use a variety of math tools to map or diagram important
relationships between quantities (flow charts, tables, and
functions)
 Interpret results and possibly make improvements
 Ability to express scenarios in mathematical language and
symbols and choose the best representation for each situation
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Use appropriate tools
strategically
 Awareness of math resources such as technology, concrete
models or previous learning
 Be familiar with a wide variety of ways to represent & solve
problems
 Use technological tools to deepen understanding
 Make deliberate choices of which math tool to use to best solve
problems
 Strategically use estimation as a tool to solve and check work
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Attend to precision
 Use clear definitions and accurate terminology in communication,
state the meaning of symbols, specify units of measure, and
calculate accurately
 Use complete and appropriate labels on graphical representations
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Look for and make use of
structure
 Make and test conjectures and make generalizations about ideas
and methods
 Comfortably use numerical relationships to build understanding
and flexibility with numbers
 Break complicated problems down into simpler components (solve
an easier problem)
 Use previous knowledge of patterning/structure to help solve
problems
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix
Look for and express regularity in
repeated reasoning
 Ability to use and recognize patterns to simplify solutions
 Recognize repeated calculations and how they relate to problemsolving strategies
 Keep the big picture in mind and attend to details
 Evaluate the reasonableness of the answer

Explanations show deeper and broader understandings of math
concepts
Created by Holly Young
www.makingmathematicians.com
www.writingfix.com/WAC/numberfix