Strip Diagram: Part-Whole [TEKS Tools Grade 4]

This post specifically looks at how part-whole 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 25% of each 4th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many variations: part-whole, equal groups, and comparison (the first two being the primary types of strip diagram used).

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.

Part-whole

Part-whole relationships are used to solve problems involving addition and subtraction. There are several TEKS listed below that include these operations.

4.4A - add and subtract whole numbers and decimals to the hundredths place using the standard algorithm

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2024-19: two parts and a negative part (coupon) were given, students had to solve for the missing total

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4.5A - represent multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using strip diagrams and equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity

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2023-5: the total and a part were given, students had to solve for the missing part and then use that with a new total to solve for another missing part

2023-18: the total and a part were given, students had to solve for the missing parts (equal groups)

2024-7: the total and a part were given, students had to solve for the missing parts (equal groups)

2025-11: the total and a part were given, students had to solve for the missing part

2025-23: the total and two parts were given, students had to solve for the missing part

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4.8C - solve problems that deal with measurements of length, intervals of time, liquid volumes, mass, and money using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division as appropriate

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2024-3: four parts were given, students had to solve for the missing total

2024-16: the total and four parts were given, students had to solve for the missing part

2025-1: the total (in four parts) and a part were given, students had to solve for the missing part

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4.10B - calculate profit in a given situation

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2024-21: two parts were given, students had to solve for the missing total

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4.9B - solve one- and two-step problems using data in whole number, decimal, and fraction form in a frequency table, dot plot, or stem-and-leaf plot

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2024-21: two parts and the total were given, students had to solve for the missing part