Skill: Solve simple measurement stories

A measurement story tells about lengths or other amounts. To solve it:

1. Find the numbers and the unit.
2. Decide what is unknown.
3. Draw the story with a bar model or number line.
4. Choose addition or subtraction.
5. Write an answer with the unit.

Example:
Mia has a ribbon that is $8$ inches long. She adds another ribbon that is $5$ inches long. How many inches of ribbon does she have altogether?

Step 1: Find the known quantities.

• First ribbon: $8$ inches
• Second ribbon: $5$ inches
• Total length: unknown

Step 2: Draw the story.

$$\boxed{8\text{ inches}}+\boxed{5\text{ inches}}=\boxed{?}$$

The ribbons are being joined, so we add.

Step 3: Solve.

$$8+5=13$$

Step 4: Answer the question.

Mia has $(13)$ inches of ribbon altogether.