Strip Diagram: Part-Whole [TEKS Tools Grade 5]

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 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.

Part-whole

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

5.4A - represent and solve multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity

Click on each > to expand

2025-20: two parts and the total were given, students had to solve for the missing part represented by a letter

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5.10F - balance a simple budget

Click on each > to expand

2023-11: the net income (total) and five parts were given, students had to balance the budget (find the missing part)

2025-21: the net income (total) and four parts were given, students had to balance the budget (find the missing part)