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.
A story problem can be turned into an equation by finding:
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?
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.
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