Year 6 - Maths
Explain how to represent an equation with a bar model
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 explain how to represent an equation with a bar model.
Key Notes
- The model can represent a scaling structure with one part being __ times the size of the other.
- The model can represent an additive structure.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Represent: To represent something means to show something in a different way.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils opt to represent the problem using two separate bar models that are stacked on top of one another.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The model can represent a scaling structure with one part being __ times the size of the other. The model can represent an additive structure.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Represent'
To represent something means to show something in a different way. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils opt to represent the problem using two separate bar models that are stacked on top of one another. Correction: Whilst pupils can represent the maths how they wish, these problems tend to be more efficiently represented using a singular bar model with the whole at the top. Further iterations of these bar models can then be represented underneath.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns Study Guide
- Explain how to balance an equation with two unknowns 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.