A problem can be represented by objects or simple drawings that preserve the quantities and relationships in the situation: joining, separating, comparing, or forming equal groups. The representation makes clear which quantities are known or unknown and supports selecting addition, subtraction, multiplication, or sharing/grouping division with whole numbers in familiar ranges; it is a model of the situation, not merely a collection of objects or the final answer.
To represent a word problem, make a drawing or use objects that show:
Example:
Mia has 7 apples. Then she gets 5 more apples. How many apples does she have now?
Step 1: Show the first group.
Draw 7 apples:
š š š š š š š
Step 2: Show what happens next.
Mia gets 5 more, so draw a second group:
š š š š š š š + š š š š š
The sign shows that the two groups join together.
Step 3: Identify the unknown.
The question asks for the total number of apples. Put both groups together and count:
š š š š š š š š š š š š
There are apples.
Step 4: Write the matching equation.
The drawing shows the situation: a group of apples joins a group of apples, making a total of apples.
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
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