Representing a problem with an equation means translating a situation involving joining, separating, putting together, taking apart, or comparing quantities into an addition or subtraction equation, typically within 20, with a symbol or blank for an unknown quantity when needed. The equation preserves the roles and relationships of the quantities and the meaning of equality; the unknown may be the result, a starting amount, or a change, rather than always the final answer. Variables, multi-step equations, and operations beyond addition and subtraction are not included.
On this page:
- Learn “Represent a problem with an equation” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Represent a problem with an equation” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Represent a problem with an equation you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Represent a problem with an equation” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Algebra Basic Concepts - Intro” or “Algebra Basic Concepts - Practice” that introduce, teach, or practice “Represent a problem with an equation” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Represent a problem with an equation
A story problem can be turned into an equation by finding:
- the amount you start with,
- what happens to the amount,
- the amount you have at the end,
- and the unknown amount.
Example:
Mia has some stickers. Her friend gives her 5 more stickers. Now Mia has 12 stickers. How many stickers did Mia have at the start?
- Mia starts with an unknown number of stickers. Write a box for the unknown: .
- She gets 5 more, so we add : .
- She has 12 stickers at the end, so this equals .
The equation is:
The box stands for the starting amount. The equation shows that the starting stickers plus 5 more stickers makes 12 stickers.
To check the unknown, think: .
So, Mia had stickers at the start.
Learn by doing: Represent a problem with an equation
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Algebraic Equation from Sentence - Addition and Subtraction
Earned ?
Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Represent a problem with an equation' Worksheet
Print this free 'Represent a problem with an equation' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Algebraic Equation from Sentence - Addition and Subtraction
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 20)
- Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture to Equation, No Borrow - Tens and Ones
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 10)
- Picture Numbers - Adding - Picture to Equation (Within 5)
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Linear Equation - Solve for Box, Two Terms
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Represent a problem with an equation) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.