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 391–395 of 5,417 reviews
I used this is my class! the kids loved it. It was so useful!
I have used this with my grand-daughter to help her better understand the different concepts/standards.
I am a special educator in a co-taught third grade classroom, and my colleague and I use this for daily independent review that we hand out weekly as part of our math routine. We print out this version and modify it to make another version for students with math IEPs. All students have 5 minutes and need to complete it all on their own and without getting up from their seats. We use it to help students practice skipping difficult problems, trying what they know, and practicing what they do. On Thursdays, they turn it in, we correct it, and then we highlight 3-5 problems for them to go back and fix or try on Friday during review time.
It is a comprehensive review sheet that covers many critical third grade skills. My only complaint is that, since we are using it at the beginning or middle of the school year, it reviews skills that have not yet been taught (e.g. fractions, area/perimeter). We have found it to be easy to fix by previewing the skill briefly before having students start their review sheets that day.
Love these passages. They are helpful and engaging for my students, but they are a little expensive with my teacher budget.
Love this resource and the practice it gives students. Wish it was multiple choice for my 3rd graders.
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)