Strip Diagram: Comparison [TEKS Tools Grade 5]

This post specifically looks at how comparison strip diagrams can be used to solve a variety of problems. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here.

Strip Diagram

Strip diagrams, the first TEKS Tool, account for around 33% of each 5th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many variations: part-whole, equal groups, and comparison. By far, the most common type of 5th grade strip diagrams is equal groups.

The main function of a strip diagram is to show the relationship between the quantities in the problem situation. When the relationship is evident, students can select the correct operations and perform accurate calculations.

One thing to note about strip diagrams is that the total can be shown in a variety of ways and positions. I vary how I represent the total to match the various representations seen on STAAR.

Comparison

Comparative relationships are used to solve problems involving all four operations. This type of strip diagram is need much less often than part-whole and equal groups strip diagrams. There are several TEKS listed below that include these operations.

5.3A - estimate to determine solutions to mathematical and real-world problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division

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2024-22: two quantities were given, they each needed to be rounded and then compared

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5.9C - solve one- and two-step problems using data from a frequency table, dot plot, bar graph, stem-and-leaf plot, or scatterplot

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2023-3: a stem-and-leaf plot was given, students had to compare two quantities

2024-27: a dot plot was given, students had to compare two quantities

2025-2: a tally chart was given, students had to compare the relative size of two groups

2025-14: a stem-and-leaf plot was given, students had to compare two quantities