Grade 3 Science · Problem type

Which magnet is stronger?

Use this for “One magnet holds 9 clips and another holds 4. Which is stronger, and by how many clips?”

Chart

024681012Clips on the firstmagnetClips on the secondmagnet
9
4
More clips: 5
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
Clips on the first magnet
example
Clips on the second magnet
example
More clips
calculated

Formulas

9 and 4 are 5 apart
Difference between clips on the first magnet and clips on the second magnet = more clips

Assumptions

•
Hang paper clips from a magnet in a chain until one drops.
•
A stronger magnet holds a longer chain.

Step-by-step

WE KNOW
Clips on the first magnet: 9 Clips on the second magnet: 4
FIND
more clips
Step 1 · Find more clips
9 and 4 are ? apart
Difference between clips on the first magnet and clips on the second magnet = more clips
Take the smaller number away from the bigger one.
More clips = 9 − 4
More clips = 5 (the first magnet is stronger)
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
9 − 4 = 5 ✓
Topic check
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