Year 6 - Maths
Use a bar model to represent spatial problems with two unknowns
Solving problems with two unknowns
Study Hub
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 use a bar model to represent spatial problems with two unknowns.
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.
- The model can represent values of measures in a problem involving shape.
- The model can represent different elements of a problem involving shapes.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Represent: To represent something means to show something in a different way.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils cannot identify the lengths of the shapes that make up the length provided in each problem.
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 cannot identify the lengths of the shapes that make up the length provided in each problem. Correction: Encourage pupils to draw a line over the sides of the shapes that represent the length within the problem. This can help pupils to see how many 'lots of' the smaller shapes length are used and how many 'lots of' the larger shapes lengths.
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 in a range of contexts Study Guide
- Solve problems with two unknowns with one, several and infinite solutions Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.