Bar Model — 8 + 12 = 20 — free printable diagram

What is 8 + 12?

This part-whole bar model shows 8 and 12 as the two parts of one whole. Adding the parts gives the whole, so 8 + 12 = 20.

First part

8

Second part

12

Whole

20

Addition

8 + 12 = 20

Subtraction

20 − 8 = 12

• A part-whole bar model shows the whole on one bar and the parts that make it on the bar underneath. Here the two parts are 8 and 12, and together they fill the whole bar of 20.
• The parts can be added in either order — swapping them does not change the whole: 8 + 12 = 12 + 8 = 20.
• Covering up one part turns the same picture into a subtraction: 20 − 8 = 12 and 20 − 12 = 8.
• That is the fact family for these three numbers — the model is the reason 8, 12 and 20 belong together, whichever way round you write them.