Math Problem Solving [Book B]
5.0 (210 reviews)This resource is a set of 50 non-routine math problems that require students to utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each and every problem is completely unique, and can be solved in multiple ways.The Importance of Problem SolvingIncorporating non-routine problem solving into your
- Grade
- Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
- Subject
- Math
- Pages
- 98
- Answer key
- Included
- Teaching duration
- 3 Months
- Digital download
Description
This resource is a set of 50 non-routine math problems that require students to utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each and every problem is completely unique, and can be solved in multiple ways.
The Importance of Problem Solving
Incorporating non-routine problem solving into your math program is one of the most impactful steps you can take as an educator. By consistently allowing your students to grapple with these challenging problems, you are helping them acquire essential problem solving skills and the confidence needed to successfully execute them.
This resource comes in three different formats:
1. Printables: These are full 8.5 x 11 pages that contain the problem, a “Problem Solving Check-List,” and a check-list to help guide students’ responses.
2. Task Cards: These contain just the problem and are formatted 4 to a page. They can be laminated and used in a center or for independent work.
3. Journal Strips: These contain just the problem and are formatted 4 to a page. They can be printed, cut apart, and glued into an Interactive Notebook or math journal.
The three different formats included make it simple for you to adapt this resource to meet the needs of your students. Instructional applications include: morning work/bell-ringers, independent work, math centers, cooperative learning, and whole-group instruction.
Minimal Teacher Preparation ~ Maximum Student Growth
I have also included DETAILED explanations and diagrams on how to solve each problem. The only preparation you’ll need to do is read the problem and my explanation; you’ll then be ready to facilitate some major “Brain Power” in your classroom! You will be amazed by the creative strategies and rich discussions that will take place among your students.
Brain Power Math: Non-Routine Problem Solving {Book A}
Check out these hands-on math resources:
Pattern Block Fraction Task Cards
Problem Solving with Pattern Blocks 1
Problem Solving with Pattern Blocks 2
Time to Tile: Equivalent Fractions
Time to Tile: Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Time to Tile: Adding and Subtracting
Time to Tile: Balancing Equations
Get all the latest Teacher Thrive news!
➜FOLLOW me on Teachers Pay Teachers!
➜FOLLOW me on TeacherThrive.com!
Please read: This is a nonrefundable digital download. Please read the description carefully and examine the preview file before purchasing.
© Copyright 2018 M. Tallman. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy pages specifically designed for student or teacher use by the original purchaser or licensee. This is intended to be used by one teacher unless additional licenses have been purchased. The reproduction of any other part of this product is strictly prohibited. Copying any part of this product and placing it on the Internet in any form (even a personal/classroom website) is strictly forbidden. Doing so makes it possible for an Internet search to make the document available on the Internet, free of charge, and is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Reviews
Showing 21–25 of 5,412 reviews
A very helpful resource
This resource is helpful to review previously learned skills for my 4th grade students. It also helps me determine which skills I need to reteach.
Very Useful!
I teach 5th grade but have found that I spend a great deal of time reviewing 4th grade skills students forgot before we can even touch on our grade level concepts. I used most of these pages to help review the skills and made a booklet for the students. I just wish there was a version that did not have page numbers on them so I can put them in the order that supports our grade level curriculum.
Very Useful
I really enjoy this resource and the students are having fun taking notes on it. It covers everything we teach for 5th grade. I just wish there was a version that did not have page numbers on them. I ordered the pages so it follows along with our curriculum and made a booklet for the kids but the numbers already on them don't align to this order.
Helpful, but has not been added to lately
When can we expect the Decimal Operations doodle pages?
These are so much fun, and look so inviting in the student binders. I really want to keep using them because they are terrific.
Hello, Lauren. This is a growing bundle. The price will increase each time I add more sketch notes. Previous buyers will get all new units that I add for free. The price is based on the current material included in the bundle. Buyers are not promised future materials because this bundle is priced according to current value.
Good for guided work
I bought these for homework for my 4th graders and I think I need to work with them on a couple first to teach them how to answer some of the questions. Some are worded in a confusing way but others are great and hit the standards well. I do like that some of the topics align with our reading program topics but not in the same order which means sometimes I have to cross out questions that relate to a previous one we haven't done yet. Overall though I find it beneficial.
Questions & Answers (7)
Have a question about this resource? Log in to ask a question.
Place a letter from A to H into each empty square in such a way that no letter repeats in any row or column. Additionally, identical letters may not be placed in disgonally touching squares.
Are you planning to make a Book C?
Hello, Serena! Thanks for asking. At this time, I don't have plans to make a Book C.
Brainpower b.12
B.17
For question B17. Is Harry a typo?
Yes, that should be Blake! Sorry about that. I have updated the resource.
Are these more difficult than Book A?
Hi Stacey,
Yes, they are slightly more challenging than Book A.
What about posting as an assignment on Google classroom?
Hi Kimberly! I am fine with that, since you are only sharing with your students privately on Google Classroom.:-)

![Math Problem Solving [Book B] — Cover](https://teacherthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tt-live-85c836d4fc0b7b24b305328ca72d69796d9d5711ebacfce3e1d00ece3f77e471-1024x1024.webp)
![Math Problem Solving [Book B] — Image 2](https://teacherthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tt-live-128f3b0e595620a9b1f96e44b10edd7b4657f21288c7ba09f0ce0475ab246049-1024x791.webp)
![Math Problem Solving [Book B] — Image 3](https://teacherthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tt-live-e8351ed2b0014b88ec211f0c759b103f8fa183e84546212125871bc840d702ee-791x1024.webp)
![Math Problem Solving [Book B] — Image 4](https://teacherthrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tt-live-5f37dca1b852661bdfce9699f4828b3ebe5cda7490b43b740cd8933d90c2a3db-791x1024.webp)