Math Tools for Addition & Subtraction Word Problems!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Time to dive into math tools!

A tape diagram is like a long rectangle that helps you visualize math problems.

Think of it as a number line made of rectangles! Sometimes, you can use different colors to show different parts of the problem.

• What does a tape diagram look like?

Check out this video to see the tape diagram in action!

Now, solve an addition word problem using a tape diagram.

A farmer picks 11 red apples from an apple tree. Then, the farmer picks 5 more green apples from another apple tree.

• How many apples does the farmer have altogether?

The tape diagram shows 5 in the smaller part of the whole and 11 in the larger part. The unknown number is the sum of these two parts.

You can also see each number broken down into ones here.

At this point, it's time to add up the numbers!

11 + 5 = 16!

So, the sum is 16 apples! Great work!

Tape diagrams are very helpful tools.

Now, meet another fantastic math tool: the bar model!

A bar model looks like a rectangle, too, but is divided into parts to show the different numbers in a math problem. Look at this bar model.

• How can you solve subtraction or addition word problems using a bar model?

Watch the video below to see this math tool in action!

Wow! That was cool to see.

Now, try a subtraction word problem using this neat tool.

On the farm, there are 15 baby chicks. Eleven of the chicks go to live in town.

• How many chicks are left on the farm?

The bar model shows 15 chicks with 11 chicks going to town.

Now, look at the unknown part. That is what you need to find out.

15 chicks - 11 chicks =?

• How many chicks are left on the farm?

That's right, 4 chicks!

15 chicks - 11 chicks = 4 chicks!

What a handy math tool to have in your math toolbox!

You did a fantastic job learning to solve addition and subtraction word problems!

Now, it is your turn to try them out in the Got It? section!