Grade 3 Bar Models: Word Problems with Bar Models

Worked examples

Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.

1. Example 1

   Emma had 14 cookies. Emma gave away 5. How many cookies does Emma have now?

   1. Emma starts with 14 cookies. Giving away 5 takes a piece off the bar, so subtract.
   2. 14 − 5: go back to the ten first. 14 − 4 = 10, then 10 − 1 = 9.
   3. Emma has 9 cookies now.

   Answer: 9

2. Example 2

   Emma had 18 apples. Emma got 10 more. How many apples does Emma have now?

   1. Emma starts with 18 apples. Getting 10 more makes the bar longer, so add.
   2. 18 + 10 = 28.
   3. Emma has 28 apples now.

   Answer: 28

3. Example 3

   Emma had 13 crayons. Emma gave away 3. How many crayons does Emma have now?

   1. Emma starts with 13 crayons. Giving away 3 takes a piece off the bar, so subtract.
   2. 13 − 3 = 10.
   3. Emma has 10 crayons now.

   Answer: 10