Decomposing Math Problems for Google Classroom

Here’s a new digital math word problem activity you can use in Google Classroom: Decomposing Math Word Problems.

What is Decomposing?

Decomposing is when you take a whole number and break it into parts. This is a big idea! Decomposing teaches us that numbers are flexible and you can represent a number in more than one way. Kindergartners build upon this idea when they go to first grade and they explore place value.

Working on how to decompose numbers? Try this digital, math word problem resource for Google Classroom. Students solve word problems by acting them out. This self-checking activity is perfect for math centers and at-home learning.

Big Ideas for Decomposing Numbers

Here’s what students are expected to do according to the Common Core State Standards:

Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.1
Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings¹, sounds (e.g., claps), acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.2
Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.

CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.3
Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 into pairs in more than one way, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record each decomposition by a drawing or equation (e.g., 5 = 2 + 3 and 5 = 4 + 1).

CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.4
For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawing or equation.

Most kindergartners are introduced to decomposing by playing engaging games like Shake and Spill. To play Shake and Spill, you put a certain number of two-color counters in a cup and spill the counters to find the different combinations of red and yellow counters.

Math Word Problems: Decomposing for Google Classroom

Another way to teach students to decompose numbers is by acting it out. Acting it out is one of the best ways to introduce decomposing. Students are able to grasp concepts more when the information is presented to them visually.

With Decomposing Math Word Problems, students get to act out word problems using objects and scenarios that are familiar to them.

In this example, we want students to come up with the different ways to decompose the number 5 using red and yellow apples.

See it in action!

First, students move the red and yellow apples to the tree to show some of the different ways to decompose the number. Then, they record their decomposition as an equation, starting with the whole number. That means they should type 5 = +3.

Every time they decompose the number, they “erase” their work (drag and drop their work to the eraser) and start over.

When they want to check their work, they move the “Check Your Work” box to the side and check their work.

This is an active and engaging resource for students to gain insight into how numbers work.

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