Thanks. I also use this method but looking for alternate method.
My kid's school hasn't teach them algebra yet. However this question came up in one of their school's exercise questions. Is there any other way to solve this?

I think you can draw the bar model then.
But have to be careful to add in the 4 cupcakes in the steps and also to do the “new unit” as 5 cookies in the 2nd model.

Eg. Can use the difference in cupcakes as 7-5 =2
12 boxes more now = 12x5 = 60 cupcakes now more than previous

Use the difference in number, to find the no of boxes at first = (60-4) / 2 = 28

Number of cupcakes at first = 28X 7 = 196

Hope this is helpful!

Sorry I mean cupcakes,not cookies ..

Thanks Leanne. :)

You are welcome :)