Visual Models for Addition and Subtraction: Step-by-Step Maths

Using Models to Add and Subtract is an essential math strategy that helps students visualise arithmetic operations and develop deeper understanding. By turning numbers into simple pictures or diagrams—like bars, blocks, or number lines—maths becomes less abstract and much easier to solve, whether for school exams or everyday calculations. At Vedantu, we break down such core concepts to help students confidently tackle all types of addition and subtraction questions.

What Are Models in Addition and Subtraction?

A math model is a visual tool that represents numbers and operations in a concrete way. It helps students “see” the relationships between parts of a problem, making it easier to add or subtract. The most common models for these operations include:

• Bar Models: Rectangular diagrams that show known and unknown quantities, useful for both simple sums and word problems.
• Area Models: Grids or rectangles split into sections, ideal for showing how numbers combine or separate, including with decimals and fractions.
• Number Lines: Lines with evenly spaced marks; students move right to add, left to subtract. Great for sequences and negative numbers.
• Base-Ten Blocks: Physical or illustrated cubes for ones, rods for tens, and flats for hundreds; they’re excellent for visualizing regrouping (carrying/borrowing).

Children often start with physical manipulatives in early grades and gradually move to drawing diagrams and mental models as their skills grow.

Step-by-Step Addition Using Models

Let’s look at how to use models for adding different types of numbers:

1. Bar Model for Addition
   

   Suppose you want to add 12 + 7.

   • Draw a bar and split it into two parts: one labeled 12, the other 7.
   • The whole bar represents the total: 12 + 7 = 19.
2. Number Line Model
   

   To solve 8 + 5:

   • Mark 8 on the number line. Make 5 hops to the right, landing at 13.
3. Area Model (with Decimals)
   

   Add 1.3 + 2.5:

   • Draw a rectangle split into tenths (or use a 10x10 grid).
   • Shade 13 squares, then shade 25 more. The total is 38 squares, or 3.8.
4. Base-Ten Blocks Example
   

   To add 27 + 16:

   • Show 2 rods (tens) + 7 cubes (ones) for 27. Show 1 rod + 6 cubes for 16.
   • Put all cubes together: 7 + 6 = 13 ones. That’s 1 more ten and 3 ones.
   • Add tens: 2 + 1 + 1 = 4. So, answer is 43.

Step-by-Step Subtraction Using Models

Subtraction can feel tougher, but models bring clarity and confidence:

1. Bar Model for Subtraction
   • Start with the total bar (say, 15).
   • Cover up a part (such as 8), and the uncovered part represents what remains: 15 - 8 = 7.
2. Number Line Model
   • Mark 20. Move left by 6 units; you land on 14.
3. Base-Ten Blocks (Regrouping)
   • For 32 - 15, show 3 rods (30) and 2 cubes (2).
   • You need to take away 5 ones. Since there’s only 2, break a rod into 10 cubes. Now you have 12 ones.
   • 12 - 5 = 7 ones; 2 rods (20) left. Also, subtract 1 rod for the 10 in 15: 2 rods = 20. So, answer is 17.
4. Area Model (with Fractions)
   • For 3/4 - 1/4, draw a rectangle split into 4 equal parts, shade 3.
   • Unshade 1 part to subtract; 2 shaded parts remain, giving 2/4 = 1/2.

Using Models for Fractions and Decimals

Visual models really shine with fractions and decimals, where confusion commonly occurs.

• Bar/Area Model for Fractions: To add 1/3 + 1/6, draw two bars: split one into 3 equal parts, shade 1; another into 6, shade 1. Convert so both bars have 6 parts: 1/3 = 2/6. Now, 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2.
• Number Line for Fractions: Place marks at each fraction point. For 1/4 + 2/4, you'd hop from 0 to 1/4, then two more hops landing on 3/4.
• Area Model for Decimals: Use a 10x10 grid (each square is 0.01). Shade areas for 0.3 and 0.4. Together, they cover 70 squares = 0.7.

Check more on addition of fractions, addition/subtraction of decimals, and fractions on the number line at Vedantu for deeper practice.

Bar Models: Addition & Subtraction Word Problems

Bar models are especially useful for solving word problems, which often confuse students. Example:

Example Word Problem: "Priya has 26 crayons. She buys 15 more. How many crayons does she have now?"

• Draw a bar and split it into 26 and 15.
• Add both sections: 26 + 15 = 41 crayons.

For difference-based questions ("how much more/fewer"), bar models help visualize what’s being compared or found. You can read more about problem-solving strategies in Class 2 Maths pages and worksheet practice links on Vedantu.

Interactive Practice Questions

• 1. Use a number line to show 12 - 7.
• 2. Draw a bar model for 8 + 3.
• 3. Use an area model to solve 1/2 + 1/4.
• 4. Show 25 + 18 with base-ten blocks and solve, showing regrouping.
• 5. Represent 0.6 + 0.15 using a grid model.

Looking for more? Download worksheets or try interactive quizzes on Vedantu.

Tips & Common Mistakes

• Always align numbers carefully, especially decimals and fractions with unlike denominators.
• Don’t mistake subtraction and difference models—make sure you’re removing the right value.
• Don’t forget to regroup (carry/borrow) when necessary; base-ten blocks help visualize this best.
• Label parts and totals clearly on models to avoid confusion in word problems.
• Practice drawing models to build speed and avoid careless errors on exams.

Real-World Applications

Models for addition and subtraction aren’t only for exams—they help in daily life:

• Shopping and making change (bar and base-ten blocks make recalculating easier)
• Cooking with fractions or decimals, when doubling/halving recipes
• Dividing tasks or sharing equally (number line and bar models help split fairly)
• Business planning and budgeting, where quick, visual “what-if” arithmetic is needed

Understanding these visuals helps not just for arithmetic, but paves the way for future maths like algebra and even data handling.

In this topic, we explored how using models to add and subtract can make arithmetic easier and more visual. From bar models to number lines and base-ten blocks, these strategies help build strong foundational skills for all levels of maths. With regular practice through models—and the resources on Vedantu—students can tackle even complex word problems or fraction sums with confidence.