By name: latex_environments description: Complete reference of all custom LaTeX environments for Grade 7 math topics
Grade 7 LaTeX Environments Reference
This project uses a custom LaTeX class (studyGuide.cls) with 15 .sty packages in VM_packages/. You can use any of the environments defined in these packages when writing topics.
You have a large toolkit — choose whichever environments best serve the topic. There is no required ordering or mandatory checklist of environments per topic. Use your judgment to create engaging, varied content.
Creating New Environments
If a topic genuinely needs a visual or interactive element that no existing environment provides, you may create new LaTeX environments or commands. New environments should be added to the appropriate .sty file in VM_packages/ (or a new .sty file if none fits).
When creating new environments:
- Study the existing
.styfiles to match the coding style, color conventions, andtcolorboxpatterns. - Use the project's color palette (
funBlue,funGreen,funOrange, etc.) — don't introduce random colors. - New environments should be self-contained and not depend on or modify existing environment internals.
- Add a clear header comment block with the environment name, usage signature, and description.
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