Skill: Explain a solution in words

When you explain a solution, tell what the numbers mean, describe the action in the problem, write an equation, and state what the answer means.

Example:
Mia has 64 crayons. She gives 28 crayons to a friend. How many crayons does Mia have left?

1. Identify the quantities.

   • $64$ is the total number of crayons Mia has.
   • $28$ is the number she gives away.
   • The number left is unknown.

2. Choose an operation.
   Mia gives crayons away, so the amount gets smaller. We use subtraction:

$$64-28$$

3. Solve the equation.
   Subtract $20$ first, then subtract $8$:

$$64-20=44$$ $$44-8=36$$

So,

$$64-28=36$$

4. Explain the answer in words.
   Mia has 36 crayons left because she started with 64 and gave away 28.

You can check the answer by adding the crayons left and the crayons given away:

$$36+28=64$$

This matches the starting amount, so the answer makes sense.