Solving problems with addition and subtraction
Term 2 starting in week 1 :: Estimated time: 2 weeks
- Properties of addition and subtraction
- Mental strategies for addition and subtraction
- Use formal methods for addition of integers
- Use formal methods for addition of decimals
- Use formal methods for subtraction of integers
- Use formal methods for subtraction of decimals
- Choose the most appropriate method: mental strategies, formal written or calculator
- Solve problems in the context of perimeter
- Solve financial maths problems
- Solve problems involving tables and timetables
- Solve problems with frequency trees
- Solve problems with bar charts and line charts
For higher-attaining pupils:
- Add and subtract numbers given in standard form
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Activities for pupils
Here are some related resources in alphabetical order. Some may only be appropriate for high-attaining learners while others will be useful for those in need of support. Click anywhere in the grey area to access the resource.
Area and Perimeter of a Rectangle Questions on the areas and perimeters of rectangles which will test your problem solving abilities.
Times Tables A collection of activities to help you learn your times tables in only 5 days.
Mental Strategies Practise your mental arithmetic skills and learn some new strategies with this self marking exercise.
Beat The Clock It is a race against the clock to answer 30 mental arithmetic questions. There are nine levels to choose from.
Arithmagons Find the missing numbers in these triangular, self-checking puzzles and discover the wonders of these fascinating structures.
Just In Time Every 10 seconds a new calculation appears on the screen: A dynamic visual aid.
Cracked Clock Quiz A self marking set of ten mathematical questions about a clock which cracked!
Grid Arithmetic Fill in a multiplication grid with the answers to simple multiplication and division questions.
Eleven In Your Head Multiply numbers by eleven in your head.
Multi-step Problems Solve multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why.
Train Timetables An interactive exercise on reading train timetables and making time calculations.
Numbasics A daily workout strengthening your ability to do the basic mathematical operations efficiently.
Standard Form Test your understanding of standard form (scientific notation) with this self-marking quiz.
Sum of Three Palindromes Every whole number can be expressed as the sum of three palindromic numbers like this...
One Minute Maths A challenge to mentally add numbers together without making the classic place value mistakes.
Partial Pyramids Calculate the missing numbers in these partly completed pyramid puzzles.
If Then What? Deduce multiplication and division results from a related calculation.
Pyramid Puzzle Numbers in the bricks are found by adding the two bricks immediately below together. Can you achieve the given target?
Quick Can you multiply a number by 1001 in your head? This exercise provides practice in this and other similar challenges.
Money Maths Test your skills and understanding with this online exercise about Money Maths and Personal Finance.
Perfect Magic Square Arrange the sixteen numbers on the four by four grid so that groups of four numbers in a pattern add up to the same total.
Which Operation? Decide which mathematical operation is required then use it to find the answers.
Frequency Trees Use a frequency tree to show two or more events and the number of times they occurred.
Cosmic Redshift Investigate the number found by performing an algorithm on a three digit number.
Click on a topic below for suggested lesson Starters, resources and activities from Transum.
- Arithmetic The ability to perform mathematical calculations is still very important despite our hi-tech environment. Good numeracy skills support the understanding of more advanced mathematical concepts at all levels. Mathematicians still consider mastery of the manual algorithms to be a necessary foundation for the study of algebra and computer science. Pupils should have a good grasp of the meaning of numbers and use their understanding of place value to multiply and divide whole numbers and fractions. They should be able to order, add and subtract negative numbers in context. They should use all four operations with decimals rounding answers where required. They should be able to solve simple problems involving ratio and direct proportion and calculate fractional or percentage parts of quantities and measurements, using a calculator where appropriate. See also the Mental Methods topic and our Number Skills Inventory.
- Mental Methods Though using pencil and paper are as useful as having up-to-date technology skills, there is no substitute for strategic mental methods for working out calculations and solving problems. The activities in this topic are designed to improve pupils' abilities to use their brains. Calculating 'in your head' can be a difficult task. If you cannot remember what you have worked out or simply do not know how to solve a problem then it can be very challenging and frustrating. It is important to learn and practise mental arithmetic and using mathematical patterns, you can dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of your mental mathematics. See also the Arithmetic topic and our Number Skills Inventory.
Lesson Starters
Here are some suggestions for whole-class, projectable resources which can be used at the beginnings of each lesson in this block.
1st Lesson
Add Quickulations
Calculations appear on the screen every few seconds. This mental arithmetic starter provides pace to the start of the Maths lesson.
2nd Lesson
Addle
Arrange the numbers 1 to 14 in the circles so that the sums are correct.
3rd Lesson
Light Shopping
A lamp and a bulb together cost 32 pounds. The lamp costs 30 pounds more than the bulb. How much does the bulb cost?
4th Lesson
Broken Calculator (4 and 5)
Which numbers can be made with the buttons which have not yet dropped off this calculator?
5th Lesson
Spinsum
Arrange the numbers on the grid of squares so that the totals along each line of three squares are equal.
6th Lesson
Triplets
Find as many sets of three of the available numbers as possible which add up to the given total.
Some of the Starters above are to reinforce concepts learnt, others are to introduce new ideas while others are on unrelated topics designed for retrieval practice or and opportunity to develop problem-solving skills.
