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LEARN · PRACTISE · DISCOVER

Draw Models for Word Problems

Read at your own pace. Try the practice, then continue your course.

Turn a word problem into a bar model or number line so the known amounts and unknown question are easier to see.

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THE CURIOSI · EXPLORE & TRY

Find the missing bus group

Explore the model, then test your understanding. Select each numbered stop to discover its role.

Find the missing bus group36 students altogether21?21 + ? = 36 → ? = 15Equal values use equal lengths in this model.
Strategy model: follow the labelled quantities and explain each change. Number-line jumps are schematic.
1Identify the whole

There are 36 students altogether. The full bar represents all of them.

2Identify the known part

Twenty-one students are on the first bus.

3Find and label the unknown

The second bus has 36 − 21 = 15 students. The two parts must add to 36.

Choose a strategy you can explain. Check the numbers and include units where needed.

Quick check · 3 questions

Choose one answer for each question, then check. Practice results stay on this page and do not change course completion.

1. How many students are on the second bus?
2. A collection grows from 35 to 52 cards. How many were added?
3. What should decide the operation in a word problem?

Read the answer explanations
  1. The missing part is 36 − 21 = 15 students.
  2. Find the missing increase: 52 − 35 = 17.
  3. A model shows whether the unknown is a total, a missing part or a difference.

Focus on understanding before speed. Use paper, counters or a spoken explanation whenever they help you keep track.

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