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how to solve singapore math word problems

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A glimpse inside Hillsdale College's network of classical schools across the country.

How Bar Modeling Makes Word Problems Easy in Singapore Math

To help teachers and parents understand Singapore math, I’ve been writing about how although it can seem difficult at first, it’s actually a common-sense approach to mathematics that really gets results. Before you read this post, take a look at an introduction to Singapore math here.

One of the most recognizable parts of Singapore math is bar modeling, an approach to solving complex problems using pictures. Singapore math makes sense to students because it always begins with concrete objects, then moves to pictorial representations, and only then uses symbols.

We’ve all had the experience of looking at a complicated word problem and not being sure where to begin. In the early days of working in a classical school, I spoke to so many students who were overwhelmed by word problems because they had been trying to understand them all at once. With bar modeling, students learn how to break down word problems into their parts, and understand them visually. With bar modeling, complex things suddenly become simple and and math anxiety seems to vanish.

Let’s look at an example. First we’ll solve it using regular algebra, and then we’ll use bar modeling to see how much easier it can be.

Here’s a 5th grade math problem.

how to solve singapore math word problems

Unless you regularly come across ratio problems in your daily life, or have recently taken an algebra course recently, this problem is probably a little daunting. A high school algebra student might know what to do, but in Singapore math, a 5th grader can solve it with ease. Let’s do the high school algebra approach first, and then use bar modeling.

The Algebra Method

Here’s the problem again.

how to solve singapore math word problems

We’ll begin by defining the relationships between each of the pastries.

how to solve singapore math word problems

We want to have all of the variables in terms of d because we are looking for the number of donuts. 

Now, let’s solve it using algebra.

Since m=6s and m=2d , we can use the transitive property to see that 6s=2d . Therefore,

how to solve singapore math word problems

Now we simply have to substitute 2d for m and d/3 for s into the equation that included all of our variables (m+s+d=170) , and then solve for d .

how to solve singapore math word problems

Now we can simply divide, and solve. Here’s our answer:

how to solve singapore math word problems

Pretty complicated, right? Now let’s tackle this same problem using bar modeling, the same way a 5th grader would do it in Singapore math.

The Bar Modeling Method

First, we read through the entire problem to get an overall sense of what we are looking for. Then, we re-read the problem more slowly, stopping when we can represent a quantity or relationship between quantities with a picture. Read, then stop, then draw. Then keep reading.

Here’s our problem again.

how to solve singapore math word problems

We’ll read it piece by piece, drawing each essential piece of information.

“I have 6 times as many muffins as scones”

We’ll use bars to draw the relationship between muffins and scones.

how to solve singapore math word problems

“and twice as many muffins as donuts.”

We’ll add some bars of the right length to show the relationship of donuts to muffins.

how to solve singapore math word problems

“I have 170 pastries altogether.”

We’ll use a bracket to show the total number.

how to solve singapore math word problems

“How many donuts do I have?”

And we’ll add a question mark next to the information the problem is asking us to find.

how to solve singapore math word problems

At this point, we have created a picture that captures the information in the entire word problem. One of the beautiful things about bar modeling is that we can now just think in pictures, rather than words. It’s one step less abstract, which is always helpful in math.

Now we solve.

how to solve singapore math word problems

Let’s look at what we’ve got. We’ve drawn a total of 10 equally sized bars up there, and our bracket shows us that all of those together equal 170 pastries.

Therefore, 1 bar represents 17 pastries.

Let’s look at the blue bars, which symbolize the donuts, the number we’re looking for.

how to solve singapore math word problems

Since the number of donuts is represented by 3 bars, we know that there are 51 donuts, because 17 times 3 is 51.

There we go. 51 donuts.

how to solve singapore math word problems

As you can see from this example, the bar modeling makes this problem more approachable by breaking it into manageable parts and giving a place to start. Just as with this example, bar modeling can be used almost universally on problems beginning in 2 nd grade through algebra. While this is true, it is important to remember that the primary reason for bar modeling is to help transition to the abstract.

The process for working through this problem is nearly the same for both the bar model and the algebra, so by adding the pictorial element of the bar model, the move to the abstract nature of the algebra is much clearer and continuous.

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  • Grade 2: Solving Word Problems Addition And Subtraction
  • Addition And Subtraction Within 20
  • Working With Equal Groups
  • Numbers To 1,000
  • Adding And Subtracting Within 100
  • Adding Within 1,000
  • Subtracting Within 1,000
  • Solving Word Problems Addition And Subtraction
  • Metric Measurement Of Length
  • Customary Measurement Of Length
  • Representing And Interpreting Data
  • Reasoning With Shapes

Grade 2 - Solving Word Problems Addition And Subtraction

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Challenging Word Problems: Level 2

Brenda Barnett and her husband Brent

About This Course

Ready to focus on problem solving skills?

The Challenging Word Problems book by Singapore Math Inc. is the best source for thought-provoking, multi-step word problems. Students can greatly enhance their problem solving and critical thinking skills in just 10-20 minutes per day. Use CWP as a supplement to any curriculum and your child’s math proficiency will soar!

  • Purchase the Challenging Word Problems 2 Book (link below)
  • Purchase this Challenging Word Problems: Level 2 course to access videos

The goal is for the student to have daily exposure to the strategies and methods required to solve these problems. Ideally, students would complete two problems per day every school day. We want the student to attempt these when their brains are fresh and alert and then be able to see the solutions immediately afterwards. After they attempt the problem for 3-5 minutes, they can view the solution and will have an explanation for whatever stumped them that they can add to their math toolbox so that when that skill is needed again, it will be ready to use. Over time, students will develop into mathematical thinkers and will strengthen problem-solving and analysis skills.

Not sure where to start? If your child hasn’t used Singapore Math curriculum up to this point, consider starting one level lower to give them a challenge to conquer. These problems are truly challenging! If they are currently doing Singapore Math curriculum choose the same level your student is working in.

NOTE : When you purchase Primary Math support, these videos are included.

Requirements

  • Challenging Word Problems Level 2 (ISBN 9789810189723)
  • CWP Level 2

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