Word problems are like little stories that need our help to find the answer. To solve them, we use something called a number sentence. This helps us organize the information and find the solution.
Addition word problems are about putting things together. Look for words like “add,” “all together,” or “how many in all.” These words tell us we need to add to find the answer.
Another Example: “There were six puppies playing with a ball. Three more puppies came to play with them. How many puppies were playing altogether?”
Subtraction word problems are about taking things away. Look for words like “subtract,” “take away,” or “how many are left.” These words tell us we need to subtract to find the answer.
Another Example: “There were ten lizards playing on a rock. Six of the lizards decided to go for a swim. How many lizards were left playing on the rock?”
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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**Word Problems: Solving with Number Sentences**
To solve word problems, we need to create a number sentence. Writing a number sentence helps us organize the information in the problem so that we can find the solution.
**Addition Word Problems**
Addition word problems involve combining or joining two groups of objects. Look for phrases like “add,” “all together,” or “how many in all.” If you see any of these phrases, we know we need to add to find the answer.
**Steps to Solve an Addition Word Problem:**
1. **Read and Understand the Problem:**
For example, “Jessica has four carrots. Her mom bought her four more carrots. How many carrots does Jessica have in all?” We need to find out how many carrots Jessica has in total.
2. **Plan and Solve the Problem:**
The phrase “how many in all” indicates we need to add. The numbers we need to add are four and four. We write the number sentence: 4 + 4. Using the doubles strategy, we find that 4 + 4 equals 8.
3. **Look Back and Check Your Work:**
Does your work make sense? Did you find out how many carrots Jessica had in all? Yes, Jessica has eight carrots in total.
**Another Example:**
“There were six puppies playing with a ball. Three more puppies came to play with them. How many puppies were playing altogether?”
1. We need to find out how many puppies were playing together, so we will add.
2. There were six puppies, and three more came to play: 6 + 3. Counting up, we find that 6 + 3 equals 9.
3. Does your answer make sense? Yes, there were nine puppies playing altogether.
**Subtraction Word Problems**
Subtraction word problems involve separating two groups of objects. Look for phrases like “subtract,” “take away,” or “how many are left.” If you see any of these phrases, we know we need to subtract to find the answer.
**Steps to Solve a Subtraction Word Problem:**
1. **Read and Understand the Problem:**
For example, “Sam had five crackers. He ate two of the crackers. How many crackers are left?”
2. **Plan and Solve the Problem:**
The phrase “how many are left” indicates we need to subtract. The numbers we need to subtract are five and two. We write the number sentence: 5 – 2. Using the count-back strategy, we start at five and count back: 5, 4, 3. So, 5 – 2 equals 3.
3. **Look Back and Check Your Work:**
Does your work make sense? Did you find out how many crackers Sam had left? Yes, Sam has three crackers left.
**Another Example:**
“There were ten lizards playing on a rock. Six of the lizards decided to go for a swim. How many lizards were left playing on the rock?”
1. We need to find out how many lizards were left, so we will subtract.
2. There were ten lizards, and six left: 10 – 6. We can use a number line to help us solve this. Starting at ten and counting back six, we end at four. So, 10 – 6 equals 4.
3. Does your answer make sense? Yes, there were four lizards left on the rock.
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This version maintains the educational content while removing any informal language or errors.
