Getting to Zero

Getting to Zero is a Grade 6 integer reasoning activity that combines order of operations with additive inverses. One team creates an integer expression using at least four numbers, and the other team determines the number that must be added to the result to make zero. Because students work without paper or pencils, the emphasis stays on mental reasoning, grouping symbols, signs, and the relationship between a number and its opposite.

Use it in teams after students have experience evaluating integer expressions. The strongest discussion comes from asking students to explain how they tracked the expression mentally and how they knew which opposite value would return the result to zero. Create a free Find a Math Game account to generate lesson support for Getting to Zero. No credit card. 3 lifetime lesson generations.