Math · Stage 4
Comparison bar-model problem sums (equal units)
Draw two bars made of the SAME-size units, find what ONE unit is worth, then read off every quantity. The whole gives you the total; the gap gives you the difference.
✦ Math📘 Stage 4 · S4⏱ ~11 min🧒 Ages 8–9★ Free to start
I can solve comparison problem sums with equal-unit bars.
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Kavi's Fair Bars ⚖️
Rafi has some stickers and Maya has 3 times as many. Together they hold 48 🌟. "How can I find each without guessing?" hoots Kavi. "I draw bars made of equal units! Rafi is 1 unit, Maya is 3 units — that's 4 equal units for 48. One unit is 48 ÷ 4 = 12, so Rafi has 12 and Maya has 36 ⚖️."
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What your child will learn
1A bar made of equal unitsA comparison bar is cut into equal-size boxes. Each box is one unit — the same amount every time. Here a bar is split into 4 equal units. If the whole bar is worth 48, then one unit = 48 ÷ 4 = 12.
2Draw TWO bars, same-size unitsWhen one person has a multiple of the other, draw two bars using the same-size unit for both. Rafi gets 1 unit; Maya has 3 times as many, so Maya gets 3 units. Tap each card.
3Total or difference → then 1 unitAlways find the value of one unit first. The TOTAL (altogether / the whole) fills ALL the units. The DIFFERENCE (more than / longer than) fills only the EXTRA units. Tap each card.
4Total clue or difference clue?
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A peek inside
Rafi has some stickers; Maya has 3 times as many. Together they have 48 🌟. How many does each have?
Rafi = 1 unit, Maya = 3 units → 4 units = 48 → 1 unit = 48 ÷ 4 = 12
Try this at home: One unit: 4 equal units = 48, so 1 unit = __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 4 · S4 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.