Calculating Plant Growth using Bar Models: 11+ Maths Word Problem

Word problems involving growth patterns can often confuse students. In this video, we tackle a multi-step 11+ question about a plant that grows “one and a half times” taller every day. 🌱

To make this simple, we use the Bar Model approach. By drawing out the growth, we can visually understand what “one and a half times” looks like (comparing 2 parts to 3 parts) rather than just relying on mental arithmetic.

In this lesson, we cover:

Visualising with Bar Models: How to draw the “one and a half times” growth to clearly see the relationship between days without getting lost in calculation.

Working Forwards (Part A & C): How to calculate the height for Wednesday and Friday by applying the growth rule step-by-step.

Working Backwards (Part B): Using the Bar Model to find the value of the “original” parts to solve for Monday’s height.

At Singapore Maths Academy, we teach students to identify the underlying structure of a problem—whether they need to move forwards or backwards in time—so they can apply the right method with confidence.

🚀 Master the Bar Model Approach: Is your child struggling to visualise word problems? Our dedicated course teaches the step-by-step methods to solving complex 11+ questions visually. 👉 Get the Bar Model Course here.

🎓 Looking for expert 11+ Maths Tuition? Prepare your child for the 11+ and independent school exams with the world-renowned Singapore Maths method.