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Primary 3 Part-Whole & Model Method

Math Heuristics for Problem Solving

Primary 3 Part-Whole & Model Method

What is Part-Whole in Math?

A Part-Whole math problem involves breaking a whole object into smaller parts, and then finding the value or quantity of each part or the whole object. For example, if you have a pizza that is cut into 8 equal slices, and you want to know how many slices you would get if you only took half the pizza, this would be a Part-Whole problem. In this case, the whole object is the pizza, and the parts are the individual slices.

Part-Whole problems can also involve finding the missing part, where you know the value of the whole and one part, and need to find the other part. For example, if you know that a cake is made up of 12 slices, and you are given 8 slices, you can use a Part-Whole problem to find the number of missing slices.

To solve Part-Whole problems, students can use the Part-Whole model method, which involves drawing a model to represent the parts and the whole object. This can help them visualize the problem and make it easier to solve.

How to Solve Part-Whole Questions with Part-Whole Model Method?

Let's take a look at this Primary 3 word problem example:

Detailed solution for Primary 3 Part-Whole concept example
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Smith had 364 marbles. He kept 168 marbles for himself and gave the remaining equally to Tim and Zac. How many marbles did Smith give Tim?

Identify the Concept

…sentence tell us that this is a Part-Whole question as…

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Workings Explained

To find the number of marbles Smith gave to Tim, we need to first find the amount he gave both Tim and Zac.

  1. 364 (Total) – 168 (kept for himself) = 196 (the amount Smith gave to Tim and Zac)

  2. 196 marbles are given equally to Tim and Zac. To find the number of marbles given to Tim, take 196 divide by 2.

Identify the Concept

The 2nd sentence tell us that this is a Part-Whole question as the marbles Smith kept for himself and the marbles that he gave to Tim and Zac are parts of his 364 marbles.

Workings Explained

To find the number of marbles Smith gave to Tim, we need to first find the amount he gave both Tim and Zac.

  1. 364 (Total) – 168 (kept for himself) = 196 (the amount Smith gave to Tim and Zac)

  2. 196 marbles are given equally to Tim and Zac. To find the number of marbles given to Tim, take 196 divide by 2.

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What's Problem Sum?

Problem Sum is a term commonly used in the context of math education, particularly in regions that follow the Singapore Math curriculum. It refers to a type of math problem that typically involves multiple steps and requires students to apply various mathematical concepts and strategies to find the solution. These problems are often word problems that describe a real-world scenario, requiring students to read, comprehend, and analyze the situation before applying the appropriate math operations to solve it.

In essence, a Problem Sum combines elements of arithmetic and logical reasoning, challenging students to think critically and use their problem-solving skills. It is a key component in developing a deeper understanding of math concepts and enhancing analytical abilities in students.