Latex Environments

CRITICAL RULE: Never modify existing environments or commands. They are used across many topics and book types. Even a small change can break other sections. If an existing environment doesn't do exactly what you want, create a new one instead.

Teaching & Concepts (VMfunTeaching.sty)

Topic Title Banner

\topicTitle{Multiply by a One-Digit Number}

Light blue banner with blue border. One per topic, placed right after \section{...}.

Learning Goals

\begin{learningGoals}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Multiply a multi-digit number by a one-digit number
    \item Use area models, partial products, and the standard algorithm
\end{itemize}
\end{learningGoals}

Blue box with bullseye icon, left accent bar, and subtle watermark. Always the first content box after topicTitle.

Concept Box (main teaching content)

\begin{conceptBox}{Steps to Add}          % default green
\begin{conceptBox}[funTeal]{Division}      % custom color

Colors: funGreen (default), funBlue, funOrange, funTeal, funPurple.

Steps Box (numbered steps)

\begin{stepsBox}{How to Multiply}
    \funStep Multiply the ones
    \funStep Multiply the tens
    \funStep Add the results
\end{stepsBox}

Steps auto-number with colored circles (green, blue, red, orange, purple). For manual control:

\namedStep{3}{stepThree}  % explicit number and color

Remember Box

\begin{rememberBox}
    Always start from the RIGHT (ones column)!
\end{rememberBox}

Math Rule Box

\begin{mathRuleBox}{Commutative Property}
    $a \times b = b \times a$
\end{mathRuleBox}

Vocabulary Box

\begin{vocabBox}[Division Vocabulary]       % optional custom title
    \vocabWord{Dividend}{The number being divided.}
    \vocabWord{Divisor}{The number you divide by.}
\end{vocabBox}

Key Idea (inline highlight)

The answer is \keyIdea{always positive}.

Definition Spotlight (centered prominent text)

\definitionSpotlight{Division = Sharing Equally!}
\definitionSpotlight[funGreenDark]{Custom color}

Side-by-side Comparison

\begin{compareBox}{Sharing}{Grouping}
    Left content...
\tcblower
    Right content...
\end{compareBox}

Box Subtitle (inside any box)

\boxSubtitle{Steps to Add}
\boxSubtitle[funOrange]{Another subtitle}

Explore Box (guided discovery / investigation)

\begin{exploreBox}                          % default "Explore"
\begin{exploreBox}{Try Different Numbers}   % custom title
    Try multiplying these pairs. What do you notice?
    \begin{itemize}
        \item $3 \times 4 = $ \answerBlank[1.5cm]
        \item $4 \times 3 = $ \answerBlank[1.5cm]
    \end{itemize}
    What pattern do you see? \answerBlank[5cm]
\end{exploreBox}

Green box with dashed bottom border. Great for hands-on discovery activities where students try things and draw conclusions.

Pattern Box (pattern recognition)

\begin{patternBox}                          % default "Find the Pattern"
\begin{patternBox}{What Comes Next?}        % custom title
    Look at this pattern: $2, 4, 6, 8, $ \answerBlank[1cm], \answerBlank[1cm]

    The rule is: \answerBlank[4cm]
\end{patternBox}

Purple box with dot motif. Ideal for pattern recognition, number sequences, and extending patterns.

Quick Review (compact concept refresher)

\begin{quickReview}{Place Value}           % default funOrange
\begin{quickReview}[funTeal]{Fractions}     % custom color
    Brief recap of a previously taught concept...
\end{quickReview}

Lighter than conceptBox — use when students need a quick reminder of a prerequisite concept before new material.

Proof / Justification Box

\begin{proofBox}                            % default "Justify Your Reasoning"
\begin{proofBox}{Show Why It Works}         % custom title
    Explain why $a \times (b + c) = a \times b + a \times c$...
\end{proofBox}

Indigo box with pen-nib icon and left accent bar. For introducing basic mathematical reasoning and justifications. Ideal for Grade 7 students beginning formal reasoning skills.

Formula Card

\formulaCard{Area of a Triangle}{$A = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h$}

Centered, prominently bordered green card for key formulas. Use for the one or two most important formulas a student should memorize from a topic.

Examples & Solutions (VMfunExamples.sty)

Worked Example

\begin{workedExample}{Add 347 + 285}
    Show the work here...
    \answerHighlight{$347 + 285 = 632$}
\end{workedExample}

Side-by-side Example (work left, explanation right)

\begin{sideBySideExample}{Another Example}
    Left: visual / work
\tcblower
    Right: step-by-step explanation
\end{sideBySideExample}

Auto-numbered Example

\begin{numberedExample}
    Content...
\end{numberedExample}

Solution Steps (inside any example)

\solutionLabel              % prints "Solution:"
\solutionLabel[Step by Step:]

\begin{solutionSteps}
    \solStep Ones: $6 + 8 = 14$, write 4, carry 1
    \solStep Tens: $5 + 7 + 1 = 13$
\end{solutionSteps}

Answer Highlight

\answerHighlight{$456 + 278 = 734$}
\answerHighlight[funOrange]{Custom color answer}

Mini Answer (inline)

So the answer is \miniAnswer{42}.

Try It Yourself

\tryIt{Now you try: $300 + 250 = $ \answerBlank}

Answer Blank

\answerBlank         % 3cm default
\answerBlank[2cm]    % custom width

Answer Line (full-width)

\answerLine          % default: \linewidth
\answerLine[10cm]    % custom width

Show Me Box

\begin{showMeBox}[Walkthrough]
    Detailed walkthrough...
\end{showMeBox}

Error Box (find and fix the mistake)

\begin{errorBox}                           % default "Spot the Error"
\begin{errorBox}{What Went Wrong?}         % custom title
    Sam says $4 \times 6 = 20$. Is Sam correct?

    What is the real answer? \answerBlank[2cm]

    Explain what went wrong: \answerBlank[5cm]
\end{errorBox}

Red-themed box with warning icon. Shows intentionally wrong work for students to analyze and correct. Builds critical thinking. Use \wrongAnswer inside for crossed-out wrong work with a correction blank:

\wrongAnswer{$3 \times 5 = 20$}    % shows crossed-out wrong answer → blank

Practice & Assessment (VMfunPractice.sty)

Practice Box (main practice section)

\begin{practiceBox}{Addition Practice}
    \resetProblems
    \practiceHeader{Add These Numbers}
    \prob $234 + 152 = $ \answerBlank[2cm]
    \prob $456 + 328 = $ \answerBlank[2cm]
\end{practiceBox}

Practice Subsection Headers

\practiceHeader{Basic Problems}
\practiceHeader[funOrange]{Show Your Work}
\practiceHeader[funGreen]{Find the Missing Number}

Show Your Work Box

\begin{showWorkBox}{Add. Show Your Work.}
    Column addition workspace...
\end{showWorkBox}

Find the Missing Number Box

\begin{findMissingBox}{Find the Missing Number}
    \prob $245 + $ \answerBlank[1.5cm] $= 500$
\end{findMissingBox}

Challenge Box

\begin{challengeBox}              % default title "Challenge!"
\begin{challengeBox}[Super Challenge!]   % custom title

Purple box with trophy and star icons, outer glow border, and subtle star watermark. Feels premium and rewarding.

Quick Check

\begin{quickCheck}
    Fast problems to check understanding...
\end{quickCheck}

Problem Numbering

\resetProblems           % reset counter to 0
\prob                    % auto-numbered: "1.", "2.", ...
\probInline              % inline version for grid layouts
\setcounter{funProblem}{9}  % manually set counter

Word Problem (with answer line)

\wordProblem{A library has 375 math books and 248 science books. How many in total?}{books}

True or False

\trueOrFalse{$15 \div 3 = 5$}

Multiple Choice

\multiChoice{What is $12 \div 3$?}{2}{3}{4}{6}      % inline row layout
\multiChoiceGrid{What is $12 \div 3$?}{2}{3}{4}{6}  % 2×2 grid layout

Circle the Answer

\circleAnswer{Which is correct?}{15}{20}{25}{30}

Match Box

\begin{matchBox}{Match the Pairs}
    matching content...
\end{matchBox}

Sort Box (classification / sorting activity)

\begin{sortBox}{Sort These Numbers Into Two Groups}
    Numbers to sort: $12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 25, 27, 30$

    \begin{multicols}{2}
    \sortCategory[funBlue]{Multiples of 3}
    \sortCategory[funOrange]{NOT Multiples of 3}
    \end{multicols}
\end{sortBox}

Orange-themed box for sorting/classifying activities. Use \sortCategory[color]{Label} to create labeled bins, and \sortItem for inline item tags:

\sortItem  % inline sortable item tag

Fill Table (input/output table for patterns)

\begin{fillTable}{Find the Rule}
    \begin{tabular}{|C{2cm}|C{2cm}|}
        \hline
        \textbf{In} & \textbf{Out} \\
        \hline
        3 & 9 \\
        \hline
        5 & 15 \\
        \hline
        7 & \answerBlank[1cm] \\
        \hline
        \answerBlank[1cm] & 27 \\
        \hline
    \end{tabular}

    \bigskip
    The rule is: \answerBlank[4cm]
\end{fillTable}

Teal-themed centered box for "function machine" and input/output pattern problems.

Code Breaker (solve problems to decode a secret message)

\begin{codeBreaker}                         % default "Code Breaker"
\begin{codeBreaker}{Secret Agent Math!}     % custom title
    Solve each clue. Match your answers to the letters below!

    \codeClue{M}{$3 \times 4$}
    \codeClue{A}{$20 \div 5$}
    \codeClue{T}{$2 \times 5$}
    \codeClue{H}{$18 \div 3$}

    \secretMessage{\answerBlank[1cm] \answerBlank[1cm] \answerBlank[1cm] \answerBlank[1cm]}
\end{codeBreaker}

Purple spy-themed box with key icon. Students solve math problems to decode a secret message. Extremely engaging for kids — use for variety in practice sections. \codeClue{letter}{problem} creates a circled letter + problem + answer blank. \secretMessage{...} creates the decoder area.

Pictograph Environment (picture graph)

\begin{picGraph}{Favorite Fruits}           % default blue
\begin{picGraph}[funGreen]{Pet Survey}      % custom color
    \picRow{Dog}{5}
    \picRow{Cat}{3}
    \picRow[\faHeart]{Fish}{2}              % custom symbol
    \picRow{Bird}{4}
    \picKey{2 students}                     % key/legend
    \picKey[\faHeart]{1 vote}               % custom symbol in key
\end{picGraph}

Chart box for picture graphs (Ch 6). \picRow[symbol]{label}{count} draws repeated symbols. \picKey[symbol]{unit} adds the key legend. Default symbol is \faStar in yellow.

Math Trail (connected problem sequence)

\begin{mathTrail}                           % default "Math Trail"
\begin{mathTrail}{Number Adventure!}        % custom title
    \trailStop Start with $5$. Double it! \answerBlank
    \trailStop Add $3$ to your answer. \answerBlank
    \trailStop Multiply by $2$. \answerBlank
    \trailStop Subtract $6$. What did you get? \answerBlank
\end{mathTrail}

Green trail-themed box with map marker icon. Problems are auto-numbered stops with arrows. Each answer feeds the next step — creates a "journey" through math. Great for building multi-step reasoning.

Self Check (confidence scale)

\selfCheck

Strategy Box (problem-solving approaches)

\begin{strategyBox}                         % default "Problem-Solving Strategy"
\begin{strategyBox}{Working Backwards}      % custom title
    1. Start with the final answer
    2. Reverse each operation
    3. Check by working forward
\end{strategyBox}

Teal box with lightbulb icon and left accent bar. For teaching problem-solving strategies and systematic approaches. Ideal for Grade 7 students developing independent problem-solving skills.

Answer Space

\answerSpace        % 2cm default
\answerSpace[4cm]   % custom height

Practice Test Questions

Used in practice test books. Each question is wrapped in practiceQuestion with a type (mc, sa, gsa):

\begin{practiceQuestion}{Q1}{mc}
    What is $3 + 4$?
    \choiceA{5}
    \choiceB{6}
    \choiceC{7}
    \choiceD{8}    % \choiceD renders all four options
    \correctAnswer{C}
    \explanation{$3 + 4 = 7$}
\end{practiceQuestion}

Use \practiceTestSASection to insert a divider between MC and short-answer blocks.

Fun Extras (VMfunExtras.sty)

Mascot Says (owl speech bubble)

\mascotSays{Division means fair sharing! Everyone gets the same amount!}

Tip Box (pencil character)

\tipBox{Line up your numbers by place value!}

Fun Fact

\begin{funFact}
    The ancient Egyptians were adding numbers over 4,000 years ago!
\end{funFact}

Warning Box (common mistakes)

\begin{warningBox}                    % default "Watch Out!"
\begin{warningBox}[Common Mistake!]   % custom title
    Don't forget to carry the 1!
\end{warningBox}

Think About It

\begin{thinkAboutIt}
    Why does $5 \times 6$ give the same answer as $6 \times 5$?
\end{thinkAboutIt}

Real World Connection

\begin{realWorld}
    We use division when sharing pizza equally!
\end{realWorld}

Story Problem

\begin{storyProblem}{At the Bakery}
    Word problem in a real-world scene...
\end{storyProblem}

Encouragement Banner

\encouragement{Great work --- you've mastered the basics!}

Yellow banner. Use at the end of most topics.

Did You Know

\didYouKnow{Zero is neither odd nor even!}

Conversation Bubbles

\sayLeft{Owl}{I have 12 cookies!}
\sayRight{You}{How do we share them?}

Summary Box

\begin{summaryBox}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Key point 1
    \item Key point 2
\end{itemize}
\end{summaryBox}

Riddle Box (math riddle / brain teaser)

\begin{riddleBox}                           % default "Math Riddle"
\begin{riddleBox}{Can You Guess?}           % custom title
    I am a number less than $20$. I am odd.
    If you multiply my digits, you get $15$.
    What number am I? \answerBlank
\end{riddleBox}

Pink box with magic wand icon. Perfect for brain teasers, number riddles, and "Who am I?" puzzles. Sprinkle these throughout topics for engagement.

Activity Box (hands-on / manipulatives)

\begin{activityBox}{Build It!}              % custom title
\begin{activityBox}                         % default "Activity"
    Get 12 blocks. Can you arrange them into 3 equal rows?
    How many are in each row? \answerBlank
\end{activityBox}

Orange box with pointing-hand icon and dashed bottom border. For activities that require physical objects: blocks, coins, rulers, cards, dice. Encourages kinesthetic learning.

Math Visuals (VMfunMath.sty)

Column Addition

\columnAdd{347}{285}                      % no answer
\columnAddFull{347}{285}{11}{632}         % with carries and answer
\columnAddWork{358}{467}                  % blank workspace for student

Column Subtraction

\columnSub{532}{275}                      % no answer
\columnSubFull{532}{275}{257}             % with answer shown
\columnSubWork{600}{347}                  % blank workspace for student
\columnSubWorkFour{7246}{3589}            % 4-digit subtraction workspace

Place Value

\placeValueTable{3}{4}{7}                % single number H-T-O
\placeValueAdd{3}{4}{7}{2}{8}{5}         % two-row addition chart

Number Line

\numberLine{0}{10}          % 0 to 10, step 1
\numberLine[5]{0}{50}       % 0 to 50, step 5

Dot Groups / Equal Sharing

\dotGroups{3}{4}                  % 3 groups of 4 dots (orange)
\dotGroups[funBlue]{4}{5}         % custom color
\equalSharing{12}{3}              % 12 shared among 3
\equalSharing[funBlue]{20}{4}     % custom color

Array Grid (rows x columns for multiplication)

\arrayGrid{3}{4}                  % 3 rows, 4 columns (blue)
\arrayGrid[funGreen]{5}{2}        % custom color

Draws a neat grid of colored squares. More structured than \dotGroups — clearly shows rows x columns with labels. Ideal for teaching multiplication as area/arrays.

Number Bond (part-part-whole)

\numberBond{12}{7}{5}             % 12 = 7 + 5  (all filled in)
\numberBond{12}{7}{}              % 12 = 7 + ?   (blank right part)
\numberBond{12}{}{5}              % 12 = ? + 5   (blank left part)
\numberBond[funGreen]{15}{8}{7}   % custom color

Draws three circles in a triangle: whole on top, two parts on bottom, with connecting lines. Essential for addition/subtraction fact relationships.

Fraction Visuals

\fractionBar{3}{4}                % bar: 3 of 4 shaded
\fractionBar[funGreen]{2}{6}      % custom color
\fractionCircle{1}{4}             % pie: 1 of 4 shaded

Fact Family Triangle

\factFamily{3}{4}{12}

Bar Graph (vertical bar chart)

\barGraph{Favorite Fruits}{Apple/5,Banana/3,Orange/7,Grape/2}{8}
\barGraph[funGreen]{Pet Survey}{Dog/6,Cat/4,Fish/2,Bird/3}{7}

Draws a vertical bar chart with Y-axis labels and colored bars. Essential for Ch 6 (Data & Graphs). Arguments: {title}{label/value pairs}{max Y value}. Optional color parameter changes bar color.

Area Grid (unit squares for measuring area)

\areaGrid{3}{5}                   % 3 rows × 5 columns
\areaGrid[funGreen]{4}{6}         % custom color

Draws a contiguous grid of unit squares with outer border and "1 unit" label. Different from \arrayGrid — this is specifically for area measurement (Ch 7). Shows true unit-square tiling.

Perimeter Rectangle (labeled sides)

\perimeterRect{8}{5}{cm}          % 8cm × 5cm rectangle
\perimeterRect[funGreen]{6}{3}{in} % custom color

Draws a rectangle with all four sides labeled with their lengths. Corner dots mark vertices. Essential for perimeter problems (Ch 7).

Skip Counting Arcs (number line with hop arcs)

\skipCountArc{0}{30}{5}           % skip count by 5 from 0 to 30
\skipCountArc[funGreen]{0}{20}{4} % custom color

Number line with colored arcs showing each skip counting jump, labeled with "+step". Perfect for teaching multiplication as repeated addition. Great visual for skip counting fluency.

Fraction Number Line (0 to 1 with fraction labels)

\numberLineFraction{4}            % 0 to 1 divided into fourths
\numberLineFraction[funGreen]{6}  % custom color, sixths

Draws a number line from 0 to 1 with tick marks and fraction labels at each division point. Essential for Ch 4 (Fractions on a Number Line).

Other Visuals

\tallyMarks{7}                   % draws |||||  ||
\coin{25c}                       % coin circle
\clockFace{3}{30}                % analog clock showing 3:30
\baseTenBlocks{2}{3}{5}          % 2 flats, 3 rods, 5 units
\funCompare{5}{>}{3}             % visual comparison
\ruler{6}{inches}                % measurement ruler
\multFact{3}{4}{12}              % inline multiplication fact box

Color Names for Optional Parameters

funBlue, funGreen, funOrange, funPurple, funRed, funYellow, funTeal, funPink and their Dark/Light variants (e.g. funBlueDark, funBlueLight).

Answer Key Commands (VMfunAnswers.sty)

Answers are hidden by default and shown with the showanswers class option. Place answers immediately after each problem.

% Simple answer (most common)
\prob $3 \times 4 = $ \answerBlank[2cm]
\answer{$12$}

% Answer with explanation (for word/challenge problems)
\wordProblem{Sam has $5$ bags with $3$ apples each. How many apples?}{apples}
\answerExplain{$15$ apples}{$5 \times 3 = 15$}

% True/False answer
\trueOrFalse{$5 + 3 = 8$}
\answerTF{True}

% Multiple choice answer
\multiChoice{What is $12 \div 3$?}{2}{3}{4}{6}
\answerMC{C}

Answer key infrastructure commands (used in study_guide_main.tex, not in topics):

\printAnswerKey                  % renders the full answer key at end of book
\enablePracticeTestAnswers       % activates practice-test answer collection mode
\enableQuizAnswers               % activates per-quiz answer grouping mode
\enableDayAnswers                % activates day-based answer grouping mode
\writeAnsDay{1}{Topic Title}     % inserts day marker in answer stream
\writeAnsQuiz{1}{Quiz Title}     % inserts quiz marker in answer stream

Day-Based Environments (VMfunDays.sty)

Used exclusively in the "Math in 30 Days" book type (topics_in30days/). These environments use an orange color scheme and day-based structure rather than the standard topic title/learning goals flow.

Day Page Header

\dayPage{1}{Multiplication as a Comparison}{Understand and solve multiplicative comparison problems}

Full-page orange header with day number circle, title, and goals summary. One per day file, placed at the very top.

Today's Goals

\begin{todaysGoals}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Understand what "times as many" means
    \item Write and solve multiplicative comparison equations
\end{itemize}
\end{todaysGoals}

Orange goal box with bullseye icon. Placed right after \dayPage.

Quick Lesson

\begin{quickLesson}{Place Value Basics}    % custom title
\begin{quickLesson}                         % default: "Key Concept"

Orange teaching box for concise concept explanations. Equivalent of conceptBox but styled for the 30-day format.

Daily Practice

\begin{dailyPractice}{Practice Time!}       % custom title
\begin{dailyPractice}                        % default title
\resetProblems
% problems here...
\end{dailyPractice}

Practice section with pencil icon. Use \resetProblems inside.

Daily Challenge

\begin{dailyChallenge}{Brain Buster!}       % custom title
\begin{dailyChallenge}                       % default: "Daily Challenge!"

Purple challenge box with trophy icon for harder problems.

Bonus Lesson

\begin{bonusLesson}{Place Value: Ten-Thousands}
% condensed teaching content for state-specific bonus topics
\end{bonusLesson}

Teal box with star icon for state-specific additional content. Used in topics_in30days_additional/ files.

Day Complete

\dayComplete

End-of-day celebration banner with checkmark. Place at the very end of each day file.

Day Topic Separator

\dayTopic{Comparing Numbers}

Orange divider banner used in double-topic days to visually separate the two topics.

Key Takeaway

\keyTakeaway{Every digit's value depends on its \textbf{position} in the number!}

Inline highlight box with lightbulb icon for key concepts.

Minute Timer

\minuteTimer{5}

Small inline badge showing "5 min" with clock icon. Used to suggest time targets for practice sections.

Progress Tracker

\progressTracker

A visual 30-day progress grid that students can color in. Typically placed in initial pages.

Weekly Review (deprecated)

\begin{weeklyReview}[Week 1 Review]
% review content
\end{weeklyReview}

Blue review box. Defined in VMfunDays.sty but not used in the current 30-day curriculum plan (all 30 days are teaching days).

Note: Day files also use shared environments from other packages (e.g., conceptBox, workedExample, mascotSays, \prob, \answer, etc.). VMfunDays environments add the day-based structure on top.

Step-by-Step System (VMfunSteps.sty)

Used for step-by-step book types. These provide a structured "recipe card" approach to teaching procedures.

Step-by-Step Title Banner

\stepByStepTitle{Long Division}

Large topic banner styled for step-by-step pages.

Step Goal (objectives box)

\begin{stepGoal}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Divide multi-digit numbers step by step
    \item Check your answer with multiplication
\end{itemize}
\end{stepGoal}

"What You'll Learn" objectives box for step-by-step topics.

Steps Card (the core procedure)

\begin{stepsCard}{How to Divide}             % custom title
\begin{stepsCard}                             % default: "The Steps"
    \stepItem{Write the problem in long division format.}
    \stepItem{Divide the first digit.}
    \stepItem{Multiply and subtract.}
    \stepItem{Bring down the next digit.}
    \stepItem{Repeat until done.}
\end{stepsCard}

A numbered "recipe card" with color-coded steps. \stepItem{description} auto-numbers each step with colored circles.

Step Example (worked example applying the steps)

\begin{stepExample}{Divide 156 by 12}
    \stepShow{1} Write: $156 \div 12$ ...
    \stepShow{2} Divide: $15 \div 12 = 1$ ...
    \stepResult{$156 \div 12 = 13$}
\end{stepExample}

Use \stepShow{N} to label which step you're demonstrating and \stepResult{answer} for the final answer display with checkmark.

Step Try It (guided practice with blanks)

\begin{stepTryIt}{Now Try: $208 \div 16$}
    \stepShow{1} Write the problem: \answerBlank[4cm]
    \stepShow{2} Divide: \answerBlank[4cm]
\end{stepTryIt}

"Your Turn" guided practice where students fill in blanks following the steps.

Step Practice (independent practice)

\begin{stepPractice}{Division Practice}       % custom title
\begin{stepPractice}                           % default: blue theme
    \resetProblems
    \stepPracticeHeader{Basic Division}
    \prob $144 \div 12 = $ \answerBlank
    \answer{12}
\end{stepPractice}

Independent practice section. Use \stepPracticeHeader[color]{text} for subsections.

Step Vocabulary Box

\begin{stepVocabBox}{Division Words}          % custom title
\begin{stepVocabBox}                           % default: "Words to Know"
    \vocabItem{Quotient}{The answer to a division problem.}
    \vocabItem{Remainder}{The amount left over.}
\end{stepVocabBox}

Step Utility Commands

\watchOut{Don't forget to bring down the next digit!}   % common mistake warning
\mascotStepTip{Always estimate first — it saves time!}  % owl tip
\stepReminder{Remember: multiply to check your answer.} % inline reminder

Puzzles & Brain Teasers (VMfunPuzzles.sty)

Puzzle environments for brain teasers, logic puzzles, and math games. Great for engagement.

Puzzle Page Title

\puzzlePageTitle{Math Puzzles}

Full-width purple banner with puzzle-piece icons.

Puzzle Goals

\begin{puzzleGoals}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Practice multiplication facts
    \item Use logical reasoning
\end{itemize}
\end{puzzleGoals}

Skills summary box for puzzle pages.

Puzzle Box (generic container)

\begin{puzzleBox}{Number Challenge}            % custom title
\begin{puzzleBox}[funTeal]{Logic Time}        % custom color + title
    Any puzzle content...
\end{puzzleBox}

General-purpose puzzle container. Default color: purple.

Mystery Number Box

\begin{mysteryNumberBox}                       % default: "Mystery Number!"
\begin{mysteryNumberBox}{Who Am I?}            % custom title
    \mysteryClue{I am a two-digit number.}
    \mysteryClue{I am even.}
    \mysteryClue{My digits add up to $7$.}
    \mysteryClue{I am less than $30$.}
    What number am I? \answerBlank
\end{mysteryNumberBox}

Magenta-themed box. \mysteryClue{text} auto-numbers clues. Use \resetClues to reset the counter.

Odd One Out Box

\begin{oddOneOutBox}                           % default: "Which Doesn't Belong?"
    \puzzleCircles{12, 15, 20, 18, 24}
    Which number doesn't belong? \answerBlank
    Why? \answerBlank[5cm]
\end{oddOneOutBox}

Orange-themed box. \puzzleCircles[color]{val1,val2,...} draws numbers in circles.

Target Number Box

\begin{targetNumberBox}{Make 24!}              % custom title
\begin{targetNumberBox}[funRed]{Hit the Target!} % custom color
    \targetRing{24}
    Use the numbers $3$, $4$, $6$, $8$ and any operations to make $24$.
    \answerBlank[6cm]
\end{targetNumberBox}

Bullseye-themed challenge. \targetRing[color]{number} draws the target visual.

Scramble Box (equation scramble)

\begin{scrambleBox}                            % default: "Equation Scramble!"
    Arrange these tiles to make a true equation:
    \scrTile{3} \scrTile{+} \scrTile{5} \scrTile{=} \scrTile{8}
\end{scrambleBox}

Gold-themed box. \scrTile{symbol} creates individual movable-looking tiles.

Brain Teaser Box

\begin{brainTeaserBox}                         % default: "Brain Teaser!"
\begin{brainTeaserBox}{Think Hard!}            % custom title
    If $3$ cats catch $3$ mice in $3$ minutes,
    how many cats catch $100$ mice in $100$ minutes?
    \answerBlank
\end{brainTeaserBox}

Teal-themed box with brain icon.

Logic Puzzle Box

\begin{logicPuzzleBox}                         % default: "Logic Puzzle!"
    Three friends each have a different pet...
\end{logicPuzzleBox}

Blue-themed box for deductive reasoning puzzles.

Math Game Box

\begin{mathGameBox}                            % default: "Math Game!"
\begin{mathGameBox}{Race to 100}               % custom title
    \gameSupply{2 dice}
    \gameSupply{Paper and pencil}
    Rules: ...
\end{mathGameBox}

Green-themed box. \gameSupply{item} lists required materials.

Number Pyramid

\numberPyramid{3}                  % 3-row pyramid
\pyramidCell{1}{1}{5}              % row 1, col 1, value 5
\pyramidCell{1}{2}{3}              % row 1, col 2, value 3
\pyramidBlank[funBlue]{2}{1}       % blank cell for student to fill

TikZ number pyramid where each cell is the sum of the two below it.

Magic Grid (magic square)

\magicGrid{3}{15}{2,7,6,9,5,1,4,3,8}   % 3×3, target sum 15
\magicGrid{3}{15}{2,?,6,9,5,?,4,?,8}    % use ? for blanks

Draws a magic square grid with the target sum displayed.

Number Cross

\numberCross{10}{3}{5}{7}{2}       % center, top, right, bottom, left

Cross-shaped number puzzle.

Puzzle Utility Commands

\digitCard{7}                      % digit card visual
\digitCard[funBlue]{3}             % custom color
\puzzleHint{Think about factors!}  % inline hint with magnifying glass
\puzzleDifficulty{2}               % 1–3 level difficulty badge
\puzzleSep                         % decorative divider between puzzles
\puzzleComplete                    % "Puzzles Complete" banner
\puzzleAnswer{The answer is 42}    % records answer for puzzle answer key
\printPuzzleAnswers                % renders all puzzle answers (end of book)

Quizzes (VMfunQuiz.sty)

Used for quiz/assessment book types. Provides quiz-specific formatting and question types.

Quiz Chapter and Page Headers

\quizChapter{Chapter 3: Expressions}  % chapter-level quiz grouping
\quizPage{Ratios and Rates}           % quiz page banner (starts new page, resets counter)

Quiz Info and Instructions

\quizInfo[10]                  % name/date/score strip, default total: 8
\quizInstructions              % default 15-min instruction bar
\quizInstructions[Read each question carefully. Show your work.]  % custom

Quiz Questions

\resetQuiz                     % reset quiz question counter
\quizQ                         % auto-numbered question with indigo badge
    What is $3 \times 7$?
\quizBlank                     % answer underline (default: 3cm)
\quizBlank[5cm]                % custom width
\quizWorkSpace                 % dotted work area (default: 2cm)
\quizWorkSpace[4cm]            % custom height

Quiz Multiple Choice and True/False

\quizMC{12}{15}{21}{24}        % 2×2 grid of MC options
\quizTF                        % True/False bubble pair
\quizCircle{5}{10}{15}{20}     % circle-bubble MC (works with 2 or 4 options)

Quiz Matching

\begin{quizMatch}
    \quizMatchRow{$3 \times 4$}{12}
    \quizMatchRow{$5 \times 2$}{10}
    \quizMatchRow{$6 \times 3$}{18}
\end{quizMatch}

Quiz Tables

\begin{quizTable}{3}            % 3-column equal-width table
    Col 1 & Col 2 & Col 3 \\
    ...
\end{quizTable}

Quiz Visuals

\quizGroupPic{3}{4}                 % 3 groups of 4 dots
\quizGroupPic[star]{2}{5}           % shapes: dot, star, heart, circle, square, triangle
\quizSentence{+}                    % fill-in equation: ___ + ___ = ___
\quizCompare{15}{23}                % two values with empty circle for >, <, =
\quizAnswerLine{Answer}             % labeled answer line

Quiz Structure Commands

\quizDivider                   % horizontal divider between question groups
\quizScoreBox                  % end-of-quiz self-assessment box

\begin{bonusChallenge}
    Harder bonus question...
\end{bonusChallenge}
\bonusNote                     % encouraging text for bonus section

Worksheets (VMfunWorksheet.sty)

Standalone printable worksheet environments. Each worksheet type has its own themed box.

Worksheet Header

\worksheetHeader{Multiplication Practice}

Full-width banner with name/date/score fields. Starts a new page.

Worksheet Skills

\begin{worksheetSkills}
\begin{itemize}
    \item Multiply 2-digit by 1-digit numbers
    \item Use the standard algorithm
\end{itemize}
\end{worksheetSkills}

Green skills checklist box.

Speed Drill (timed fluency)

\begin{speedDrill}                             % default: "Quick Math!"
\begin{speedDrill}{Beat the Clock!}            % custom title
    \timerBadge{3}                             % 3-minute timer badge
    \resetProblems
    \probInline $3 \times 4 = $ \answerBlank[1cm]
    \probInline $5 \times 6 = $ \answerBlank[1cm]
\end{speedDrill}

Orange-themed stopwatch box.

Color by Answer

\begin{colorByAnswer}                          % default: "Solve & Color!"
    \colorKey{12}{Red}
    \colorKey{15}{Blue}
    \colorKey{18}{Green}
    Solve each problem, then color the matching region!
\end{colorByAnswer}

Pink-themed art activity. \colorKey{answer}{color name} builds the legend.

Match It (worksheet matching)

\begin{matchIt}                                % default: "Match the Pairs!"
    \matchRow{$3 \times 4$}{12}
    \matchRow{$5 \times 2$}{10}
\end{matchIt}

Blue-themed matching. \matchRow{left}{right} draws a dotted line between items.

Math Maze

\begin{mathMaze}                               % default: "Math Maze!"
    Start → \mazeChoice{$12$} or \mazeChoice[funRed]{$15$}?
\end{mathMaze}

Green-themed maze. \mazeChoice[color]{value} creates branching choice bubbles.

Error Detective

\begin{errorDetective}                         % default: "Error Detective!"
    \errorWork{$24 \div 6 = 3$}
    What's wrong? \answerBlank[4cm]
    Fix it: \answerBlank[3cm]
\end{errorDetective}

Red-themed find-the-mistake. \errorWork{wrong work} highlights the incorrect work.

Sort & Cut

\begin{sortCut}                                % default: "Cut & Sort!"
    Cut out these cards and sort them:
    \cutCard{$\frac{1}{2}$}
    \cutCard{$0.75$}
    \cutCard{$\frac{3}{4}$}

    \wsSortBin{Less than $\frac{1}{2}$}
    \wsSortBin[funBlue]{Equal to or greater than $\frac{1}{2}$}
\end{sortCut}

Orange-themed cut-out activity. \cutCard{content} creates dashed-border cards. \wsSortBin[color]{label} creates labeled sorting bins.

Math Scenario (real-world)

\begin{mathScenario}                           % default: "Real-World Math!"
    You're planning a pizza party for 24 people...
    \scenarioItem{Pizza}{How many pizzas?}
    \scenarioItem{Drinks}{How many bottles?}
\end{mathScenario}

Teal-themed scenario box. \scenarioItem{item}{question} adds sub-questions.

Draw & Solve

\begin{drawSolve}                              % default: "Draw & Solve!"
    Draw a picture to solve: $3 \times 4$
    \drawSpace                                 % default: 4cm
    \drawSpace[6cm]                            % custom height
    Answer: \answerBlank
\end{drawSolve}

Purple-themed drawing activity. \drawSpace[height] provides empty bordered area.

Input/Output (function machine)

\begin{inputOutput}                            % default: "What's the Rule?"
    % Use tabular or fillTable inside
\end{inputOutput}

Teal-themed pattern table wrapper.

Explain It (math journal)

\begin{explainIt}                              % default: "Explain Your Thinking!"
    Why does $5 \times 0 = 0$? Explain in your own words.
    \writeLines{4}                             % 4 ruled lines for writing
\end{explainIt}

Blue-themed writing prompt. \writeLines{count} creates ruled lines.

Circle It

\begin{circleIt}                               % default: "Circle the Answer!"
    Circle all the prime numbers:
    \numberBubbles{2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 15, 13, 20}
\end{circleIt}

Pink-themed circling activity. \numberBubbles[color]{values} draws numbers in circles.

Worksheet Utility Commands

\drawBox{3cm}                  % empty bordered drawing area
\answerLines{5}                % 5 blank ruled answer lines
\timerBadge{5}                 % inline "5 min" timer badge
\worksheetSep                  % decorative divider between sections
\worksheetDone                 % "Worksheets Complete" banner
\worksheetAnswer{42}           % records answer for worksheet answer key
\printWorksheetAnswers         % renders worksheet answer key (end of book)

Colors & Icons (VMfunColors.sty)

Color Palette

Primary: funBlue, funBlueDark, funBlueLight Teaching: funGreen, funGreenDark, funGreenLight Examples: funOrange, funOrangeDark, funOrangeLight Challenge: funPurple, funPurpleDark, funPurpleLight Warning: funRed, funRedDark, funRedLight Tips: funYellow, funYellowDark, funYellowLight Vocabulary: funTeal, funTealDark, funTealLight Fun Facts: funPink, funPinkDark, funPinkLight Neutral: funGray, funGrayLight, funGrayDark, funCream Steps: stepOne (green), stepTwo (blue), stepThree (red), stepFour (orange), stepFive (purple) Place Value: pvOnes, pvTens, pvHundreds, pvThousands

Icon Commands

All icons accept an optional [size] parameter:

\iconStar        \iconPencil     \iconOwl         \iconLightbulb
\iconTrophy      \iconWarning    \iconBook         \iconBrain
\iconCheck       \iconExclamation \iconRocket      \iconGlobe
\iconTarget      \iconWritingPencil \iconHeart     \iconMedal
\iconMagnifier   \iconSort       \iconPattern
\stepCircle{3}{stepThree}        % colored number circle