Learning Obstacle on Addition and Subtraction of Primary School Students: Analysis of Algebraic Thinking

Table 1

Algebra thinking addition and subtraction problems.

Question	Algebraic thinking pattern
Monday’s ceremony was attended by teachers and students. There were 15 teachers and an unknown number of students. The total number of participants in the ceremony was 254 people. How many students attended the ceremony?	Addition; a + □ = c; Subtraction; c − □ = a; or; c − a = □
The teacher has some pieces of paper. The paper is distributed evenly to all students for writing. A total of 39 sheets of paper are distributed to students. There are 236 sheets left. What is the initial amount of paper?		Addition; □ + b = c; Subtraction; c − □ = b; or; c − b = □
There are 181 textbooks and some children’s story books in the library. After being calculated, the total number of books is 307. How many children’s story books are there?	Addition; a + □ =  −; Subtraction; c − □ = a; or; c − a = □
Udin has some marbles. Edo’s marbles are 55 less than Udin’s. If Edo has 151 marbles, how many marbles does Udin have?	Addition; □ + b = c; Subtraction; c − □ = b; or; c − b = □