Problem $4$: Distributed and point loads

Consider the beam shown in Figure below which is supported by pinned supports at the ends $($which allow rotation but no vertical deflection$).$

$1.$ What is the minimum number of elements that can be used to model this problem?

$2.$ Provide the global displacement vector $($with variables for unknowns$).$

$3.$ Solve for the equivalent forces from the distributed load.

$4.$ Provide the global force vector $($with variables for unknowns$).$