Year 6 - Maths
Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context
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 represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns by drawing a model.
Key Notes
- Problems can be represented using bar models.
- Problems can be solved using trial and improvement.
- Different strategies work for different problems.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Systematically: Working systematically means to solve a problem in an ordered and methodical way to ensure all outcomes are recorded.
- Efficient: To solve something efficiently means to solve a problem quickly whilst also maintaining accuracy.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils opt for a trial and improvement approach, without working systematically either.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Problems can be represented using bar models. Problems can be solved using trial and improvement.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Systematically'
Working systematically means to solve a problem in an ordered and methodical way to ensure all outcomes are recorded. 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 for a trial and improvement approach, without working systematically either. Correction: Encourage pupils to identify the structure of the problem and represent the maths in a way that makes sense for them. You can then take their representations of the maths and refine them so they are more efficient.
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 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
- 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.