Some problems say "more" but you have to take away.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Read it slowly
Ana has 5 more than Leo. Ana has 12. How many does Leo have?
The word says more, but Leo has fewer. 12 − 5 = 7.
Draw it first
Draw the two bars. The picture tells you what to do.
"More" does not always mean add
"Sam has 3 more than Ana, and Sam has 10" needs a subtraction. The word points at a comparison, not an operation.
Draw it when the words fight you
A two-bar picture settles which number is bigger. That is faster than arguing with the sentence.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
The hatched bar is the amount you have to work out.
Ana
12
Leo
?
5
The hatched bar is the amount the story is asking for.
Leo
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Ana Avoid the Trap
Ana has 5 more shells than Leo. Ana has 12.
- Step 1
She notices the word "more" and slows down.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Marbles
Problem 1 of 2
Ana has 4 more than Leo. Ana has 15. How many does Leo have?
marbles
Books
Problem 2 of 2
Leo has 3 fewer than Ana. Leo has 8. How many does Ana have?
books
Read It Twice
1 of 3
6 more than Leo. Ana has 14. Leo has?
2 of 3
5 fewer than Ana. Leo has 9. Ana has?
3 of 3
2 more than Leo. Ana has 13. Leo has?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
Ana has 3 more than Leo. Ana has 10. Leo has?
Question 2 of 2
Does the word "more" always mean add?
What You Learned
- A word in the problem is not the answer.
- Draw the two bars first.
- The picture shows you what to do.