# What stays the same?

Try a mix, a rate or an exact calculation. What can you predict before you work it out? What does your answer tell you?

Start with paper and a pencil. You can draw counters, bars or a number line. You can use a table or an equation. If writing gets in the way, explain your thinking and ask someone to record it for you.

Each day has a short start and three routes. Choose one route with your teacher. The routes offer different ways to think; you do not need to finish them all.

- [Days 21–25](LESSONS.md#day-21--a-mix-and-its-whole): compare parts, scale a mix and make a decision with rates.
- [Days 26–30](LESSONS.md#day-26--signed-changes-and-integer-operations): work with signed changes and exact fractions, then test a practical model.
- [Another way in](SUPPLEMENTS.md): pick an optional activity if an idea needs another look.
- [A short conversation at home](HOME-INVITATIONS.md): choose one paper question together if you would like to.

When you finish a piece of work, you might say:

“I chose this method because …”

“My answer means …”

“I would check … next.”

Your units and your explanation help someone else follow your thinking. An answer can be a number, a decision or a reason that something cannot work under the given conditions.