Today, I will solve “how many fewer?” comparing word problems where the difference is unknown.
Vocabulary
Steps
Compare Difference Unknown – How many fewer word problems: June has 8 toys. Colleen has 12 toys. How many fewer toys does June have than Colleen?
1. Listen carefully to the numbers in the word problem. 2. Use the numbers to write an equation using a symbol or letter to represent the unknown. 3. Solve for the unknown.
12 — 8 = W Unknown Solve for the unknown:
12 — 8 = 4 W=4 This problem can also be solved as a missing addend problem.
*MP6: How do you know your answers are correct/reasonable?
Recap today’s lesson with one or more of the following MP questions: MP2: What math symbol did you use today? MP6: How did you know your answers were correct? MP7: What steps helped you solve the problems?