Singapore Bar Modelling is a visual way we can set up calculations or equations.
We can use it for addition, subtraction and even in algebra.
Singapore Bar Modelling can be used in real life to find missingvalues in production and packaging.
Find out how to use Singapore Bar Models in this video
How to use Singapore Bar Modelling.
We have six apples and four oranges.
How can you use these to set up calculations or equations?
Start by drawing bars to represent each amount.
How can these bars help us find the missing amount?
The top and bottom bar are equal, so four plus another amount must equal six.
The missing amount is the difference between six and four.
So the first calculation is six minus four equals two.
You could also say, four plus two equals six. Or, six minus two equals four.
What if you used x and y instead of four and six?
You can make all the same calculations by using algebra.
Bar modelling, a visual tool to help you solve calculations or equations.
How to use Singapore Bar Modelling
To use Singapore Bar Modelling you need to be able to set up bars.
These bars are just rectangles. It is important, where possible, that we draw the bars in proportion.
For example if one bar is worth 6 and the other is worth 4 it is important that the bar worth 6 is longer.
Drawing the bars in proportion helps us to see more easily what the missing values can be.
Have a go yourself

Image caption, Click to see a step-by-step slideshow.
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