A tape diagram is a rectangular visual model resembling a piece of tape, that is used to assist with the calculation of ratios and addition, subtraction, and commonly multiplication. It is also known as a divided bar model, fraction strip, length model or strip diagram.[citation needed] In mathematics education, it is used to solve word problems for children in elementary school.[1]
If, for example, a boy has won fifteen games, and the ratio of his wins to losses is 3:2, a tape diagram can be used to determine his number of losses, such as by doing
| 15 | ? | ||
| Total games lost = ? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | ||
| Total games lost = ? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Since the ratio between his wins and losses is 3:2, and he has won fifteen games, it can be concluded that the boy has lost ten of these games.