Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns by drawing a model.
Key learning points
- Problems can be represented using bar models.
- Problems can be solved using trial and improvement.
- Different strategies work for different problems.
Keywords
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 misconception
Pupils opt for a trial and improvement approach, without working systematically either.
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.
Teacher tip
Allow pupils time to explore this problem for themselves and to represent the problem how they like. In the first instance, the focus is on exploring the different strategies and what is positive/requires improvement about each one, considering efficiency.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Two rods are equivalent to the yellow rod. One of them is red. What is the missing rod?
Q2.Two rods are equivalent to the yellow. One of them is white. What is the missing rod?
Q3.Two rods are equivalent to the black rod. What could the missing rods be?
Q4.Two rods are equivalent to the brown rod.
What could the missing rods be?
Q5.Two rods are equivalent to the orange rod. There is a difference of red between the rods. What rods could they be?
Q6.Two rods are equivalent to the yellow.
One rod is four times the size of the other rod. What rods could they be?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An efficient strategy is a when a problem can be solved:
Q2.The bar model shows two values a and b. What is the value of a?
Q3.The bar model shows two values c and d. What is the value of c?
Q4.Calculate the size of e in the bar model.
Q5.A supermarket sells 90 burgers and sausages altogether. They sell 40 more sausages than burgers. How many sausages do they sell?
Q6.Andeep is travelling to see his relatives. The whole journey is 182 km. He travels by train for 36 km further than he does by bus. How far does he travel by train altogether? km
To help you plan your 6 maths lesson on: Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 maths lesson on: Represent the structure of a problem with two unknowns in context, 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 primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.