Reply To: 2-3 – Relating Addition and Subtraction – Discussion

[Lisa Hudson]

These problems both remind me of the method of using strip diagrams to determine what operation to use to solve problems. I found that with my middle schoolers determining parts and wholes of a problem helped them determine whether to add or subtract. I really see the need for many students, especially younger ones, to build the physical model first then move to a visual representation. You do such an excellent job of making the connection to algebra through the balance models.