How to use Singapore Bar Modelling

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 missing values in production and packaging.

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Find out how to use Singapore Bar Models in this video

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.

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Click to see a step-by-step slideshow.
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STEP 1 - We see how real life objects can be developed in to bars.
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STEP 2 - The 6 apples are used to make a rectangle worth 6. The 4 oranges are used to make a rectangle worth 4.
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STEP 3 - From these two bars we can see that to get from 4 to 6 you add 2. We can also see that to get from 6 to 4 you subtract 2.
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STEP 4 - If you did not know the values of both bars you could call one y and the other x.
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STEP 5 - To get from x to y you need to add two. So x+2 = y.

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