Choose an Equation Word Problems: Addition or Subtraction
Teach your student to choose an equation by identifying what is unknown.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
How to teach it
Compare the offered expressions with a sketch of the story. Ask the student to name the starting amount, change, and ending amount.
Example to work through together
Use the model below as you explain the example. Have your student point to the quantities as you discuss them.
Story A: 12 at first, then 4 arrive. Find the total.
12 + 4 = 16
Story B: 4 arrive, making 12 altogether. Find the starting amount.
12 − 4 = 8
Ask your student
Which quantity are we trying to find?
If your student needs help
If the student chooses addition whenever more arrives, check whether the question asks about the beginning or the end.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Ask the child to explain one choice using the meanings of the quantities. If the answer is right but the explanation is only “because it says more,” try the matching starting-amount story and compare the two situations.
Word problemsFind the Starting Amount Word Problems
Work backward from a final total to find how many there were before.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsFind the Missing Change Word Problems
Use the starting amount and what remains to find how many cents were spent.
6 problems · Answer key included
Word problemsBar Model Word Problems
Use a whole-and-parts diagram to find the total, the starting amount, or the amount used.
4 problems · Answer key included
More about addition · Grade 1 worksheets
Grade 1 selected skill connection: 1.OA.A.1 (selected joining and taking-away relationships). See the Common Core standards for this grade. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.