drawing a model of a four digit number

by Jacelyn
(Pensacola F.L.)

my little sister Jordyn has a math questions taht no one in the family knows what to do and this is her question...........

Write a four-digit number. answer 3,814
Write your number in expanded form.answer 3,000+800+10+4ones
Write your number in word form answer.answer3 thousand,800 hundred,1 tenth and 4 ones

In the space below,draw a model of your number. We don't know how to do this problem

Here's My Answer
by Zach
(Singapore)

This question is weird. The purpose for drawing a model in Singapore Math is to help a kid visualize the relationship among the different variables presented by the question. The model, in turn, helps us to formulate the number sentences thus helping us to solve the problem.

To draw a model of a single number is simply to draw a box and write the number (in this case 3814) in the box. Where is the unknown in this question? There is nothing waiting for us to solve.

I do not know what is the intention of the setter of this question. It does not assess your sister's understanding of the concepts, skills or strategies required to solve a Math problem (actually no problem was presented in the question).

Where did she get this question from? Maybe can check with the person who gave her this question what the solution is. Do share with me if you ever find out what the solution is. I'm curious too, maybe it's something I am not aware. I'm keen to learn too.