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2021 Math Wyoming Content & Performance Standards & PLDs
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Mathematically proficient students understand and use stated assumptions,
definitions, and previously established results in constructing arguments.
They make conjectures and build a logical progression of statements to
explore the truth of their conjectures. They are able to analyze situations by
breaking them into cases and can recognize and use counterexamples. They
justify their conclusions, communicate them to others, and respond to the
arguments of others. They reason inductively about data, making plausible
arguments that take into account the context from which the data arose.
Mathematically proficient students are also able to compare the
effectiveness of two plausible arguments, distinguish correct logic or
reasoning from that which is flawed, and—if there is a flaw in an
argument—explain what it is. Elementary students can construct arguments
using concrete referents such as objects, drawings, diagrams, and actions.
Such arguments can make sense and be correct, even though they are not
generalized or made formal until later grades. Later, students learn to
determine domains to which an argument applies. Students at all grades
can listen or read the arguments of others, decide whether they make
sense, and ask useful questions to clarify or improve the arguments.
4. Model with mathematics.
Mathematically proficient students can apply the mathematics they know to
solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace. In early
grades, this might be as simple as writing an addition equation to describe a
situation. In middle grades, a student might apply proportional reasoning to
plan a school event or analyze a problem in the community. By high school,
a student might use geometry to solve a design problem or use a function to
describe how one quantity of interest depends on another. Mathematically
proficient students who can apply what they know are comfortable making
assumptions and approximations to simplify a complicated situation,
realizing that these may need revision later. They are able to identify
important quantities in a practical situation and map their relationships
using such tools as diagrams, two-way tables, graphs, flowcharts and
formulas. They can analyze those relationships mathematically to draw
conclusions. They routinely interpret their mathematical results in the
context of the situation and reflect on whether the results make sense,
possibly improving the model if it has not served its purpose.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
Mathematically proficient students consider the available tools when
solving a mathematical problem. These tools might include pencil and
paper, concrete models, a ruler, a protractor, a calculator, a spreadsheet, a
computer algebra system, a statistical package, or dynamic geometry
software. Proficient students are sufficiently familiar with tools appropriate
for their grade or course to make sound decisions about when each of these
tools might be helpful, recognizing both the insight to be gained and their
limitations. For example, mathematically proficient high school students
analyze graphs of functions and solutions generated using a graphing
calculator. They detect possible errors by strategically using estimation and
other mathematical knowledge. When making mathematical models, they
know that technology can enable them to visualize the results of varying
assumptions, explore consequences, and compare predictions with data.
Mathematically proficient students at various grade levels are able to
identify relevant external mathematical resources, such as digital content
located on a website, and use them to pose or solve problems. They are
able to use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding
of concepts.
6. Attend to precision.
Mathematically proficient students try to communicate precisely to others.
They try to use clear definitions in discussion with others and in their own
reasoning. They state the meaning of the symbols they choose, including
using the equal sign consistently and appropriately. They are careful about