Math · Stage 5
Solve challenging word problems using bar-model heuristics
The bar-model method cracks hard word problems: draw a bar, cut it into equal units, find what ONE unit is worth, then read off every quantity — the same trick for fractions, comparisons, and the difference that never changes.
✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~13 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can solve challenging word problems using bar-model heuristics.
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Kavi and the Impossible Sum 🧩
"This word problem looks impossible!" groans a young fox. "Not if you draw it," hoots Kavi. "I never guess — I draw a bar, cut it into equal units, mark what I know, find what one unit is worth, then read off every answer. Watch a scary problem turn into simple counting 🧩."
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What your child will learn
1Step 1 — draw a bar of equal unitsA hard word problem gets easy the moment you draw it. Make one bar and cut it into equal-size units. Here a bar is cut into 5 equal units. If the whole bar is worth 60, then 1 unit = 60 ÷ 5 = 12.
2A fraction is just a number of unitsA fraction word problem is a bar cut into equal units. 2/5 of a bar means 2 of the 5 units. Say the whole bar is 60, so 1 unit = 12. Tap each card.
3Find ONE unit — from the total or the gapWhen one amount is a multiple of another, draw two bars with the same-size unit. The TOTAL fills every unit; the DIFFERENCE fills only the extra units. Divide by the RIGHT number of units. Tap each card.
4Total clue or difference clue?
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A peek inside
Rafi has some marbles; Maya has 3 times as many. Together they have 72 🔵. How many does each have?
Rafi = 1 unit, Maya = 3 units → 4 equal units = 72 → 1 unit = 72 ÷ 4 = 18
Try this at home: One unit: 5 equal units = 60, 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 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.