Year 6 - Maths
Solve problems with two unknowns in a range of contexts
Solving problems with two unknowns
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Study Guides
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 solve problems with two unknowns in a range of contexts.
Key Notes
- Some problems with two unknowns have only one solution.
- Some problems with two unknowns have many solutions.
- Some problems with two unknowns have an infinite number of solutions.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Represent: To represent something means to show something in a different way.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- When representing problems with more than two unknowns, pupils draw bar models all starting from the same end point and with the variables in any order.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Some problems with two unknowns have only one solution. Some problems with two unknowns have many solutions.
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: When representing problems with more than two unknowns, pupils draw bar models all starting from the same end point and with the variables in any order. Correction: Encourage pupils to draw their bar models with the variables lined up underneath one another wherever possible. The bar model may not line up form the left, but this can help to identify the differences between each model.
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
- Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context 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.