Mathematics / Year 4 / Number

Curriculum content descriptions

develop efficient strategies and use appropriate digital tools for solving problems involving addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division where there is no remainder (AC9M4N06)

Elaborations
  • using and choosing efficient calculation strategies for addition and subtraction problems involving larger numbers; for example, place value partitioning, inverse relationship, compatible numbers, jump strategies, bridging tens, splitting one or more numbers, extensions to basic facts, algorithms and digital tools where appropriate
  • using physical or virtual materials to demonstrate doubling and halving strategies for solving multiplication problems; for example, for \(5 \times 18\), using the fact that double \(5\) is \(10\) and half of \(18\) is \(9\); or using \(10 \times 18 = 180\) and halve \(180\) is \(90\); applying the associative property of multiplication, where \(5 \times18\) becomes \(5 \times 2 \times 9\), then \(5 \times 2 \times 9 = 10 \times 9 = 90\) so that \(5 \times 18 = 90\)
  • using an array to represent a multiplication problem, connecting the idea of how many groups and how many in each group with the rows and columns of the array, and writing an associated number sentence
  • using materials or a diagram to solve a multiplication or division problem, by writing a number sentence, and explaining what each of the numbers within the number sentence refers to
  • representing a multiplicative situation using materials, array diagrams and/or a bar model, and writing multiplication and/or division number sentences, based on whether the number of groups, the number per group or the total is missing, and explaining how each number in their number sentence is connected to the situation
  • using place value partitioning, basic facts and an area or region to represent and solve multiplication problems, such as \(16 \times 4\), thinking \(10 \times 4\) and \(6 \times 4\), \(40 + 24 = 64\) or a double, double strategy where double \(16\) is \(32\), double this is \(64\), so \(16 \times 4\) is \(64\)
  • using materials or diagrams to develop and explain division strategies; for example, finding thirds, using the inverse relationship to turn division into a multiplication
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Associativity,  Commutativity,  Distributivity,  Number operations

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reSolve: Multiplication: Trays of Arrays

This sequence of 7 tasks uses the array to explore the distributive and associative properties of multiplication. Students use different strategies to calculate the number of items in arrays, and use mathematical reasoning to explain which strategies are the most useful. Students learn to use the distributive property to ...

Interactive

Goat Busters (Area model for multiplication) - ABC Education

As a team use the area model and mathematical thinking to find the answer to tricky calculations. Mathematical ideas and strategies this game supports: area model for multiplication; 1 x 2-digit multiplication; 2 x 2-digit multiplication; identifying factors; partial products; distributive property; place value partitioning ...

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 ...

Interactive

Goat Squad (Partitioning numbers and dependent probability) - ABC Education

The Rocksteady Reds cheer squad is competing against the Blue Boing Boings to be the first to build a triangle and win the cheerleading competition. Will you use your strategies for addition and partitioning numbers to help your team win? Mathematical ideas and strategies this game supports: addition and partitioning numbers; ...

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Developing flowcharts: Halving strategy

In this lesson, students will create a flowchart outlining the sequence of steps required when using the halving strategy for division. The process of creating the flowchart consolidates the sequential steps required when solving problems and can be found in other learning areas, such as Design and Technologies and Digital ...

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Crocodile and Shark (4–6) - Calculate

In this game students practise addition and subtraction of 2-digit numbers, using multiple strategies.

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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.

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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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Subtraction Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

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

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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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Additive strategies: Video and teaching guide

This video explores the use of computation strategies, rounding and estimation in real-world, additive situations. Use the video with the supporting teacher guide as a springboard to explore mathematical concepts. A range of strategies such as compensation and partitioning are demonstrated. Estimation and rounding are highlighted ...

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Cuisenaire Rods Lesson Plan - Calculate

This lessons explores the use of Cuisenaire rods and uses play to introduce them to students.

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Pocket money: Mathematical modelling

In this lesson, students use mathematical modelling to solve problems that involve financial decisions. Students are guided to use the 4-step problem solving model to support them to unpack the problem, generate a plan to help solve it, and check their ability to work mathematically. They explore different ways to estimate ...

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Pocket money: Partitioning money amounts

In this lesson students use efficient strategies when performing calculations involving money. They explore different ways to estimate and calculate the distribution of pocket money. This is the first in a series of three lessons.

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Park Ranger Problem Solving: An ‘Addition & Subtraction’ Rich Task for Years 3–4 - Calculate

The aim of this task is to provide a rich, contextual activity through which students can begin to explore the addition and subtraction of one- and two-digit of numbers in everyday contexts.

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Addition Strategies - Calculate

Regular practise of addition facts can help children build their confidence in maths.

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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

The multiplier: go figure

This tutorial is suitable for use with a screen reader. It explains strategies for solving complex multiplications in your head such as 22x38. Work through sample questions and instructions explaining how to use partitioning techniques. Solve multiplications by breaking them up into parts that are easy to work with, use ...

Interactive

Wishball challenge: whole numbers

Test your understanding of decimal place value with whole numbers. Receive a starting number, such as 3786, and work towards turning it into a target number, 7664. Spin a random digit, choose its decimal place value and use the given operation (either addition or subtraction) on your starting number. Be careful not to overshoot ...

Interactive

Divide it up: puppies

Use a dividing tool to make equal shares of biscuits and toys in a pet shop. For example, share 34 biscuits equally between 6 puppies. Predict how many items each puppy will get, or how many packets can be filled. Check your prediction. Decide what to do with any leftovers. Complete a sentence describing the number operations.