Mathematics / Year 4 / Number and Algebra / Patterns and algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

Find unknown quantities in number sentences involving addition and subtraction and identify equivalent number sentences involving addition and subtraction (ACMNA083)

Elaborations
  • writing number sentences to represent and answer questions such as: ‘When a number is added to 23 the answer is the same as 57 minus 19. What is the number?’
  • using partitioning to find unknown quantities in number sentences
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Subtraction,  Addition,  Mathematical expressions

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reSolve: Algebra: Triangle Inequality

This sequence of two lessons explores the triangle inequality theorem. Students are challenged to construct triangles with a given number of matchsticks, explore and record what combinations of sticks can create valid triangles and represent their findings using mathematical expressions. Each lesson is outlined in detail ...

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reSolve: Algebra: Odds and Evens

This sequence of two lessons focuses on developing students' understanding of the properties of odd and even numbers. Students explore the results of adding and subtracting odd and even numbers and use these results to make generalisations. They then apply this generalisation to solve problems and to explore patterns. The ...

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reSolve: Algebra: Chess - The King

This lesson aims to build students' algebraic reasoning and understanding of number as they explore computation on the number chart. Students explore the moves of a king chess piece and how the value of the numbers change as he moves. This builds into an algebraic exploration of equivalent values that can be found on the ...

Interactive

Goat Crashers (Mental calculations with unconditional probability) - ABC Education

Using your knowledge of different operations, join the Pig Posse to help kick them out before they eat everything. Or join the goats and move on in! Mathematical ideas and strategies this game supports: addition and subtraction with 1–30; multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10; dividing by 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10.

Interactive

Goat Grommets (Mental computation and dependent probability) - ABC Education

As a team, you'll need to use your understanding of probability to decide which waves your surfer should catch — or when to play it safe and head in. Use mental addition to calculate your score. Enjoy the surf but watch out for the shark pig! Mathematical ideas and strategies this game supports: the probability of an occurrence ...

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Space Race Game (Introducing Algorithmic Thinking) - Calculate

Space Race is a simple board game that teachers can use to introduce the concept of algorithmic sequencing to students. The teaching points provided with the game assist teachers to introduce the use of an algorithm (a simple set of mathematical instructions) to describe the trajectory of an object across a grid plane from ...

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Subtraction Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

This activity is designed to encourage students to develop and explain different strategies to solve subtraction problems.

Downloadable

Algebra: Foundation to Year 9

This comprehensive resource describes the progression of algebra-related ideas and algebraic thinking. The resource demonstrates examples of relevant teaching strategies, investigations, activity plans and connected concepts in algebra including teaching and cultural implications.

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Four in a Row - Calculate

This game played in pairs or small groups challenges students to create equations using numbers rolled on ten-sided dice.

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reSolve: Multiplication - The Tiler

This task explores arrays through the context of a tiling a courtyard. Students are given the total cost of tiling a courtyard and use this to calculate the price for individual tiles. They then explore the cost of different tiling designs to determine if one is cheaper than another. Each lesson is outlined in detail including ...

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reSolve: Number: Counting your odds and evens

In this sequence of three tasks, students navigate, design, and analyse number mazes to investigate why some paths always give an odd total and others don’t, building towards a general explanation of how odd and even numbers behave when added. Key learning goals, assessment advice, pedagogical tools and illustrations of ...

Video

What is a fractal?

Do you know what a fractal is? Basically, fractals are never-ending patterns created by repeated mathematical equations. In this clip, Yuliya, a student at MIT (in the USA) describes the properties of fractals and shows you where they can be found in technology and nature. Have a good look at the world around you and see ...

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Fractions in the real world

How many quarters make up a whole? Watch this video to find out how else you can represent 2/4 and how to add up quarters to make a whole.

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MathXplosion, Ep 33: On the grid

Explore graphs, grids and mapping with a focus on reading and writing location data using coordinate geometry. Grids and maps illustrate the concepts of parallel/perpendicular lines (axes or labelled number lines), ordered pairs and intersection points.

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Subtraction Strategies - Calculate

This game gives students opportunities to practice subtraction skills and to learn subtraction strategies, including the jump strategy, the split (or partition) strategy, compensation and the count-up to strategy (sometimes called the Shopkeeper’s method).

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TIMES Module 2: Number and Algebra: addition and subtraction - teacher guide

This is a 29-page guide for teachers. The module introduces addition and subtraction of whole numbers.

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TIMES Module 7: Number and Algebra: addition of whole numbers - teacher guide

This is a 16-page guide for teachers. This module introduces addition of whole numbers.

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Decimals Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to find out what students know about addition of decimals and what are some of the different strategies students are able to use and explain. Do students prefer to use equations or do students rely more on empty number lines?

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ROWCO - Calculate

ROWCO is a card game that will help students practice their addition facts while playing an engaging strategy game.

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Race to... - Calculate

This game challenges students to use their knowledge of place value to add and subtract random numbers in order to meet a target value.