Solving Word Problems Using Bar Models
Bar Model Units
Click on the following links to learn how to solve bar models for different types of Word Problems
|
Watch this video to learn more about Word Problem Checklist Steps 1-3
|
STEP 1: Read the entire problem out loud to yourself.
Before you start working on a word problem, you should read it in its entirety. Try and imagine what's happening in the word problem as if it was playing out like a video.
STEP 2: Gather information (annotate the word problem)
Annotating a word problem can help you identify the important information that will help you solve it. You also simplify things by getting rid of any information you don't need. By identifying keywords (also known as vocabulary) you can determine what math operation to use.
STEP 3: Write in a full sentence the answer to the question with a blank space for the actual answer
Write the question as an answer, to ensure you are answering the right question.
|
STEP 4: Draw a picture
Represent the word problem as a math picture will help you solve it. We teach you lots of different ways to represent a word problem as a math picture (e.g. number lines, ten frame, etc.) and encourage you to use whatever works best for you.
In this series of lessons we will be teaching you how to use bar models. Bar Models may not seem important when you are doing simple addition and subtraction, but it will help when word problems get more complex. So we ask you to use Bar Models in this series of lessons. |
|
STEP 5: Create equation & solve
Represent the math picture as a math equation and solve it.
STEP 6 Check your work
Check your work. Does your answer seem reasonable?