Year 6 - Maths
Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns
Solving problems with two unknowns
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will compare and represent the structure of problems with two unknowns using a bar model. They will systematically solve problems with two unknowns using trial and improvement.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns.
Key Notes
- Unknowns can be connected additively.
- Unknowns can be connected multiplicatively.
- Representations can show if unknowns are related additively or multiplicatively.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Difference: The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another. How much one number differs from another.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils struggle to understand how to represent the number rods to show the difference when trying to find the missing rod.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Unknowns can be connected additively. Unknowns can be connected multiplicatively.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Difference'
The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another. How much one number differs from another. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils struggle to understand how to represent the number rods to show the difference when trying to find the missing rod. Correction: Ensure pupils spend time representing each question with an equation then match this with the number rods. This may help them to visualise the missing part as well.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Explain how to balance an equation with two unknowns Study Guide
- Explain how to represent an equation with a bar model Study Guide
- Explain how you know you have found all the possible solutions to a problem with two unknowns Study Guide
- Explain why there is sometimes only one solution to a problem Study Guide
- Represent and solve problems with two unknowns efficiently Study Guide
- Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context Study Guide
- Solve problems with two unknowns in a range of contexts Study Guide
- Solve problems with two unknowns with one, several and infinite solutions Study Guide
- Use a bar model to represent spatial problems with two unknowns Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.