Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Using bar models to subtract

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use bar models to represent and solve subtraction problems.

      Key learning points

      1. A bar model can be used to represent subtraction problems and equations.
      2. Overlaying manipulatives on a bar model can be useful for helping to solve subtraction problems and equations.

      Keywords

      • Subtract - To separate or take away one number from another, or to decrease an amount.

      • Known part - A piece or section of the whole that is known.

      • Unknown part - A piece or section of the whole that is not known.

      Common misconception

      Children may muddle the order of the numbers on a bar model and in a subtraction equation.

      If children are not secure, then return to the concrete to secure understanding of this structure of subtraction.

      Teacher tip

      Offer opportunities for children to manipulate bar models (made with Cuisenaire rods or cut up pieces of card) to deepen their understanding of the partitioning structure of subtraction.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Look at the equation 8 – 2 = 6 Which number represents the part to be subtracted from the whole?

      Correct Answer: 2, two

      Q2.
      Match the word to the correct description for 10 - 3 = 7.

      Correct Answer:10,total number in the whole group
      Correct Answer:3,part to be subtracted
      Correct Answer:7,part that remains

      Q3.
      Tick the equation that correctly matches the picture.

      An image in a quiz
      8 - 1 = 9
      Correct answer: 9 - 8 = 1
      1 - 8 = 9

      Q4.
      Which picture matches this equation? 10 – 3 = 7

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q5.
      Jun has written an equation to represent the picture 5 - 1 = 4 Is the equation correct or incorrect?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: correct
      incorrect

      Q6.
      Complete the equation 9 – 5 =

      Correct Answer: 4, four

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which bar model has a whole of 6?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q2.
      Which bar model represents this picture?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Tick the equation that represents this bar model.

      An image in a quiz
      5 - 3 = 8
      8 = 5 - 3
      Correct answer: 8 - 3 = 5

      Q4.
      Which bar model cannot represent this equation? 7 – 3 = 4

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q5.
      Tick the subtraction equations that match the bar model.

      An image in a quiz
      7 - 3 = 10
      Correct answer: 10 - 7 = 3
      Correct answer: 10 - 3 = 7
      3 - 10 = 7

      Q6.
      Which story could be represented by this bar model?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: There are 10 apples. 3 of them are red. How many are not red?
      There are 7 apples. 3 of them are red. How many are not red?
      Correct answer: There are 10 apples. 7 of them are green. How many are not green?

      To help you plan your 1 maths lesson on: Using bar models to subtract, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...