Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns
I can compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns.
Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns
I can compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Unknowns can be connected additively.
- Unknowns can be connected multiplicatively.
- Representations can show if unknowns are related additively or multiplicatively.
Keywords
Difference - The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another. How much one number differs from another.
Common misconception
Pupils struggle to understand how to represent the number rods to show the difference when trying to find the missing rod.
Ensure pupils spend time representing each question with an equation then match this with the number rods. This may help them to visualise the missing part as well.
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Compare the structure of problems with one or two unknowns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Solving problems with two unknowns unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
6 Questions





