Representing Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Addition and Subtraction Representations

using models to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas, and using these models to solve word problems

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Represent:

This model can help you visualize (picture) what is happening in the story and help determine if you add or subtract

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Number Lines:

Multiple Choice

Does this number line represent addition or subtraction?

• addition

• subtraction

• both

This model can help you determine which operation you will need to use to solve a word problem.

Strip Diagram

​Addition Strip Diagram
You have the parts and need to find the total so you would add the parts together.

​Subtraction Strip Diagram
You have the total and one part so you would subtract to find the missing part.

Multiple Choice

For a strip diagram, the TOTAL for the word problem goes -

• in one of the parts

• in the whole

Multiple Choice

Which number in this word problem is the TOTAL?

Marcus organized his art materials. He had 52 pastel pencils and 29 watercolors. How many art materials does Marcus have altogether?

• 52 pastel pencils

• 29 watercolors

• we don't know yet

Multiple Choice

Which number in this word problem is the TOTAL?

Pam has a goal to practice her piano 200 minutes this weekend. On Friday she practiced for 89 minutes and on Saturday she practiced for 34 minutes. How many minutes does Pam need to practice to reach her goal?

• 89 minutes

• 34 minutes

• 200 minutes

• we don't know yet

Think about the word problem as a story. Put the events in order (sequence) to help figure out how to solve it.

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Equation:

Draw

Which operations would we use for this problem? Write in the symbols...but not the answer.

Multiple Choice

An art teacher had a tub with 378 crayons.

He threw away 85 broken crayons.

He bought a package with 50 crayons.

Which equation can be used to determine the number of crayons that the art teacher has now?

• 378 + 85 + 50 = __

• 378 - 85 = __

• 378 - 85 + 50 = __

• 378 + 85 - 50 = __