An explanation in words connects the quantities in a simple addition or subtraction situation—typically within 20—to the operation and equation that represent it, identifying what is known, what is unknown, and why a strategy such as counting on, making a ten, or using a related fact gives the answer. The explanation reflects the meaning of the operation rather than merely reporting a result; formal proof, generalized rules, and multistep arguments are outside this scope.
When you explain a solution, tell:
Example: Maya has 8 crayons. Her teacher gives her 5 more crayons. How many crayons does Maya have now?
We know Maya has 8 crayons and gets 5 more.
The word more means we join the groups, so we use addition.
We need to find the total number of crayons.
We can count on from 8 five times:
So, the equation is
Maya has 13 crayons. I know this because adding 5 more to 8 gives a total of 13.
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