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

Online

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 ...

Online

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 ...

Interactive

Sites2See: Patterns and Algebra

Selected links to a range of interactive online resources for the study of patterns and algebra in Foundation to Year 6 Mathematics.

Online

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 ...

Online

Paying It Forward Years 3-4

This resource is a cross-curricular unit about how identity and welfare is affected by the groups and places that students belong to and the services that local government provides. They learn that fair isn’t always equal, the importance of integrity and the role of laws and responsibility in protecting their rights and ...

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.

Online

Find unknown values: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Find unknown values. Students further develop their algebraic thinking and strategies to find missing or unknown numbers in addition and subtraction related problems.

Text

Work sample Year 4 Mathematics: Number: addition and subtraction

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 4 Mathematics. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation ...

Video

Musical fractions

Break down a song by counting how long the notes are in action! Learn about patterns in rhythms and musical notes, and discover the role of fractions in denoting whole, half and quarter notes and creating distinct sounds.

Video

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.

Video

Numbers Count: What are factors?

What are factors? Watch as the jelly babies in this clip show you! What are the factors of 12? How many factors does the number 11 have? Try explaining to a friend what a prime number is.

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 ...

Video

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.

Video

What is a quarter?

What is a quarter? You get quarters when you divide a whole into four equal parts. Each one of these four parts is a quarter. Watch this great explainer produced by Monique in collaboration with ABC Splash and see how she explains quarters.

Video

Fun with fractals

Do you know how to recognise a fractal? Watch this video to find out! What are the examples given of fractals found in nature? Can you think of any others? Why not have a go at doing your own drawing of the Sierpinski Triangle?

Online

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.

Online

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 ...

Interactive

Circus towers: square stacks

Work out how many acrobats are needed to form square-shaped human towers. Start by building a square tower with four acrobats: two acrobats in the base layer and two acrobats standing on their shoulders. Examine a table and graph of the total number of acrobats in the towers. Predict the number of acrobats needed to build ...

Online

MoneySmart: The house of needs and wants

This is a unit of work integrating aspects of the mathematics, English and science curriculums around planning a school breakfast. The unit was written for year 3 and is intended to take about 12 hours. It consists of 11 student activities supported by teacher notes on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. Student activities ...

Interactive

Sushi monster - iTunes app

The Sushi monster needs to be fed the correct sum or product. Choose to play the addition or multipliaction game. In the addition game select the two numbers that make the target sum. In the multipication game select two numbers to make the target product. This game has several levels. Free when reviewed on 12/5/2015.