Estimating Sums and Differences

Are you looking for a unique twist on a regular math worksheet? Rather than handing students a page with traditional problems, why not challenge them to complete one of Teach Starter’s math mazes? With this set of mazes, students will practice estimating solutions to decimal addition and subtraction equations.

There are 3 levels of the mazes, indicated by the stars next to the title. Students find an estimation of the expression in the “Start Here” box and color the path with the most reasonable estimate. Continue until they reach the “End Here” box. Level 1 has 12 estimations, Level 2 has 18, and Level 3 has 20.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy! 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

In addition to independent student work time, use this worksheet as an activity for:

• Guided math groups
• Lesson warm-up
• Lesson wrap-up
• Fast finishers 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

If there are students who need a bit of a challenge, ask them to complete multiple levels of the maze, and then they can make their own maze with at least 10 questions.

For students who need additional support, use the level 1 maze. Provide completed examples, notes, and a calculator as needed. Work with a peer tutor or one on one with the teacher.

🖨️ Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

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