Solved Exercises on Using Drawings to Solve Problems in Grade 1

Master visual problem solving: drawing strategies, pictorial representation, and mathematical reasoning through these 5 detailed exercises.

Solution: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Drawing Addition Problem
Exercise 1
Sarah has 3 apples. Her mom gives her 2 more apples. How many apples does Sarah have now? Draw pictures to solve.
Definition:

Visual Problem Solving: Using drawings to represent and solve mathematical problems.

Drawing Problem Solving Method:
  1. Read the problem carefully
  2. Draw the initial amount
  3. Draw the additional amount
  4. Count all the drawings
  5. Write the answer
  6. Check your drawing matches the problem
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🍎
🍎
Initial: 3 apples
+
🍎
🍎
Added: 2 apples
=
🍎
🍎
🍎
🍎
🍎
Total: 5 apples
Step 1: Draw initial amount

I drew 3 apples for what Sarah started with

Step 2: Draw additional amount

I drew 2 more apples for what her mom gave

Step 3: Count all drawings

3 + 2 = 5 apples total

Step 4: Verify the solution

My drawing shows 5 apples altogether

5 apples
Final answer:

Sarah has 5 apples now

Applied rules:

• Visual Representation: Drawings show the problem

• Counting Strategy: Count all drawn objects

• One-to-One Correspondence: Each object represents one unit

2 Drawing Subtraction Problem
Exercise 2
Tom had 7 bananas. He ate 3 bananas. How many bananas does Tom have left? Draw pictures to solve.
Definition:

Subtraction Drawing: Using drawings to show taking away or removing objects.

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🍌
🍌
🍌
🍌
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Started with: 7 bananas
-
❌
❌
❌
Ate: 3 bananas
=
🍌
🍌
🍌
🍌
Left: 4 bananas
Step 1: Draw initial amount

I drew 7 bananas for what Tom started with

Step 2: Show what was taken away

I crossed out 3 bananas that were eaten

Step 3: Count remaining

7 - 3 = 4 bananas left

Step 4: Verify

4 bananas remain after eating 3 from 7

4 bananas
Final answer:

Tom has 4 bananas left

Applied rules:

• Visual Subtraction: Crossing out shows removal

• Remaining Count: Count what's left after removal

• Take-Away Model: Remove objects from total

3 Drawing Comparison Problem
Exercise 3
Anna has 5 carrots. Ben has 3 carrots. How many more carrots does Anna have than Ben? Draw pictures to solve.
Definition:

Comparison Drawing: Using drawings to compare two quantities.

🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
🥕
Anna: 5 carrots
vs
🥕
🥕
🥕
Ben: 3 carrots
=
🥕
🥕
Anna has 2 more
Step 1: Draw Anna's carrots

I drew 5 carrots for Anna

Step 2: Draw Ben's carrots

I drew 3 carrots for Ben

Step 3: Compare the amounts

5 - 3 = 2 more carrots

Step 4: Show the difference

Anna has 2 extra carrots compared to Ben

2 more
Final answer:

Anna has 2 more carrots than Ben

Applied rules:

• Visual Comparison: Draw both quantities to compare

• Difference Finding: Subtract to find how much more

• Comparative Language: "How many more" indicates subtraction

Drawing Strategies Summary
Key Definitions

• Visual Problem Solving: Using drawings to represent and solve problems

• Drawings: Pictures that represent numbers or objects

• Representation: Showing math concepts with visual models

• One-to-One: Each drawing represents one unit

• Visual Model: A picture that shows the math problem

Drawings = Visual Model of Problem
Drawing Formula
Addition
Draw + Draw
Combine drawings
Subtraction
Draw - Cross Out
Remove drawings
Comparison
Draw vs Draw
Compare amounts
Grouping
Draw in Sets
Organize drawings
Drawing Benefits

• Makes abstract problems concrete

• Helps visualize the problem

• Supports counting strategies

• Builds mathematical understanding

Effective Drawing Tips

• Keep drawings simple

• Make each drawing represent one object

• Organize drawings clearly

• Count drawings carefully

Solution: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Drawing Sharing Problem
Exercise 4
There are 8 cookies. 4 friends want to share them equally. How many cookies does each friend get? Draw pictures to solve.
Definition:

Equal Sharing Drawing: Using drawings to divide objects equally among people.

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🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
🍪
8 cookies total
÷
👤
👤
👤
👤
4 friends
=
🍪
🍪
2 cookies each
Step 1: Draw all cookies

I drew 8 cookies to represent the total

Step 2: Draw the people

I drew 4 people to represent the friends

Step 3: Share equally

I distributed 2 cookies to each person

Step 4: Verify equal sharing

8 ÷ 4 = 2 cookies per person

2 cookies each
Final answer:

Each friend gets 2 cookies

Applied rules:

• Equal Distribution: Divide equally among recipients

• Visual Sharing: Show how objects are distributed

• Division Concept: Sharing equally is division

5 Mixed Operations Drawing
Exercise 5
You have 6 candies. You eat 2 candies and then get 3 more candies. How many candies do you have now? Draw pictures to solve.
Definition:

Mixed Operations Drawing: Using drawings for problems with multiple steps.

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Started with: 6 candies
-
❌
❌
Ate: 2 candies
+
🍬
🍬
🍬
Got: 3 more
=
🍬
🍬
🍬
🍬
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Now: 7 candies
Step 1: Draw initial amount

I drew 6 candies to start with

Step 2: Show what was eaten

I crossed out 2 candies that were eaten

Step 3: Add new amount

I drew 3 more candies that were received

Step 4: Count final amount

4 remaining + 3 new = 7 candies total

7 candies
Final answer:

You have 7 candies now

Applied rules:

• Sequential Operations: Perform operations in order

• Visual Tracking: Draw each step of the process

• Multi-Step Problems: Handle one operation at a time

Detailed Concepts and Methods
Visual Solution = Draw + Count + Solve
Drawing Problem Formula
Key definitions:

Visual Problem Solving: Using drawings to represent and solve mathematical problems.

Drawings: Simple pictures that represent numbers or objects in the problem.

One-to-One Correspondence: Each drawing represents exactly one unit.

Drawing Problem Solving Strategy:
  1. Read: Understand the entire problem
  2. Draw: Create pictures representing the problem
  3. Organize: Arrange drawings clearly
  4. Count: Tally the drawings
  5. Solve: Find the answer using drawings
  6. Check: Verify drawing matches problem
Tip 1: Use simple shapes like circles or squares for objects.
Tip 2: Keep each drawing the same size to represent equal units.
Tip 3: Organize drawings in rows or groups to make counting easier.
Tip 4: Cross out or circle drawings to show subtraction or selection.
Common errors: Drawing too many or too few objects, not keeping drawings equal, miscounting drawings.
Success strategies: Practice with real objects, use consistent symbols, verify by counting.
Essential Rules to Remember:

• One-to-One: Each drawing represents one unit

• Consistency: Use same symbol for same object

• Organization: Arrange drawings clearly

• Accuracy: Draw exact number of objects

• Verification: Check drawings match problem

Drawing Problem Concepts Visualization
Drawing Problem Types
Let's visualize different types of drawing problems and their characteristics:
Addition Problems
🍎🍎🍎
+
🍎🍎
=
🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎

Combine drawings together

Subtraction Problems
🍌🍌🍌🍌
-
❌❌
=
🍌🍌

Cross out what's taken away

Comparison Problems
🥕🥕🥕🥕🥕
vs
🥕🥕🥕
=
🥕🥕

Find the difference

Sharing Problems
🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
÷
👤👤
=
🍪🍪🍪

Divide equally

Visual Learning: These exercises demonstrate how drawings make abstract problems concrete and understandable.

Questions & Answers

Question: Why do we need to draw pictures to solve math problems? Can't we just count in our heads?

Answer: Drawing pictures helps in many ways:

  • Visualization: Makes abstract problems concrete
  • Organization: Keeps track of numbers clearly
  • Understanding: Helps see what's happening in the problem
  • Accuracy: Reduces mistakes in counting

Drawing is especially helpful when problems get more complex!

As you practice, you might need fewer drawings, but they're great for learning!

Question: What drawing strategies work best for my 1st grade students?

Answer: Effective drawing strategies for 1st graders:

  • Simple shapes: Use circles, squares, or dots
  • Consistent symbols: Same shape for same type of object
  • Organized layout: Arrange drawings in rows or groups
  • Clear actions: Cross out for subtraction, group for addition

Encourage students to use drawings as a tool to help them think through problems!

Drawing builds confidence and understanding in young mathematicians!

Question: How can I help my child practice drawing to solve problems at home?

Answer: Here are engaging home activities for drawing problem solving:

  • Real objects: Use actual items like blocks or counters
  • Drawing games: Draw problems and solve together
  • Story problems: Create simple real-life scenarios
  • Practice sheets: Provide simple drawing templates

Make it fun: "Let's draw the cookies and see how many are left!"

Regular practice with drawing builds strong mathematical foundations!

Question: Will I always need to draw pictures for math problems?

Answer: As you grow as a mathematician, you'll develop different strategies:

  • Early stages: Drawing helps you understand the problem
  • Later stages: You might visualize mentally
  • Complex problems: Drawing remains helpful for organization
  • Learning: Drawing continues to be a valuable tool

Drawing is a powerful tool that many mathematicians use throughout their lives!

It helps you understand problems deeply and prevents mistakes!

Question: What if I'm not good at drawing? Can I still solve problems this way?

Answer: Don't worry about artistic ability! For math drawings:

  • Simplicity: Simple circles, squares, or dots work perfectly
  • Function: Drawings just need to represent numbers
  • Clarity: Clear organization matters more than beauty
  • Practice: Any drawing gets better with practice

You don't need to be an artist - just clear, organized drawings!

The goal is to help you think about the math, not create artwork!