1. **State the problem:** We want to draw a diagram representing the equation $x + 9 = 16$. 2. **Understand the equation:** This equation means that when you add 9 to some number $x$, the result is 16. 3. **Solve for $x$:** $$ x + 9 = 16 $$ Subtract 9 from both sides: $$ x + \cancel{9} - \cancel{9} = 16 - 9 $$ $$ x = 7 $$ 4. **Diagram idea:** Represent the total 16 as a whole bar, split into two parts: one part labeled 9 and the other part labeled $x$ (which we found to be 7). 5. **Explanation:** The bar shows that $x$ plus 9 equals 16, so the length of $x$ is the difference between 16 and 9, which is 7. Final answer: $x = 7$