For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Years 4 to 6 · Maths

Multi-step problems: I can solve problems with two or more steps and choose the right operation for each step.

1. Priya picks 9 strawberries.

   Then she picks 6 more.

   Step 1: put them together to find the whole. To find the whole, add.

   9 + 6 = 15

   Picture: Two groups of strawberries: 9 and 6. The groups are pushed together and counted. 15 strawberries altogether.

2. Priya has 15 strawberries now.

   She gives 7 to Gran. Step 2: take away.

   15 − 7 = 8

   Two steps: add, then subtract. Priya has 8 strawberries left.

   Picture: 15 strawberries. 7 strawberries are crossed out, and 8 are left. 8 left.

3. A bar model shows the same problem. The whole bar is 15 strawberries.

   Gran's part is 7. Priya's part has a question mark.

   We know the whole and one part, so we subtract to find the other part.

   15 − 7 = 8

   Picture: A bar model: the whole, Strawberries, 15, is split into Gran 7 and Priya a question mark.

4. Your turn: Sam has 6 gold stars. Mei has 5 gold stars. Which step finds how many gold stars they have altogether?

   Picture: Sam: 6 stars and Mei: 5 stars.

   Choose one:

   • 6 + 5
   • 6 − 5
   • 6 × 5

   Answer

   The answer: 6 + 5

   We want the whole, so add. 6 + 5 = 11

   Picture: Sam: 6 stars and Mei: 5 stars. The groups are pushed together and counted. 11 stars altogether.

Words to know

step:

One calculation. Some problems need two or more steps.

operation:

Add, subtract, multiply or divide.

bar model:

A picture of the whole and its parts.

estimate:

A sensible guess, made by rounding, to check an answer.