Federico needs to frost 36 cupcakes for a party. He has already frosted 23 cupcakes and wants to know how many more he has to frost. He writes the following two equations to represent the problem, but does not know which equation is correct:

Question

Federico needs to frost 36 cupcakes for a party. He has already frosted 23 cupcakes and wants to know how many more he has to frost. He writes the following two equations to represent the problem, but does not know which equation is correct:
23 + c = 36
36 - c = 23
Which equation should Federico use? Explain why
Explain how you know which operation to use when solving an equation, give an example

Ms. Sue · Answer

Frederico can use either equation. Do you see why?

Christopher · Answer

I wanted 36 cupcakes but wasted most of my money in my sock collection. So now I’II just have a fourth of that.