Question

There are $12$ birds sitting on a branch. $5$ of them fly away. How many birds are still sitting on the branch? Which of the following addition equations can be used to find the number of birds still sitting on the branch?

• A. $17;12+5=17$
• B. $7;5+7=12$
• C. $8;5+8=12$
• D. $5;12–5=7$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $7;5+7=12$

Say: Let us begin by finding the number of birds that are still sitting on the branch.

Ask:
$\bullet$ How many birds are sitting on the branch?
Ans: $12$
$\bullet$ How many fly away?
Ans: $5$
$\bullet$ How do we find the difference?
Ans: By subtracting the smaller number, i.e., $5$ from the bigger number, i.e., $12.$
$\bullet$ What is the difference?
Ans: $12–5=7$
$\bullet$ So. what is the missing number in the given equation?
Ans: $7$

Say: Now let's find the related addition equation.

Ask:
$\bullet$ How do you find the total?
Ans: By adding two smaller numbers to get a bigger number.
$\bullet$ Using the same three numbers $5,7,$ and $12,$ what addition equation can be framed?
Ans: $5+7=12$ or $7+5=12$
$\bullet$ Which of these equations is used in the given options?
Ans: $5+7=12$

Hence, Option D is correct

WB: If required, use the whiteboard to represent the bigger and smaller number as shown and write the subtraction equation.