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Mathematics / Year 6 / Algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

find unknown values in numerical equations involving brackets and combinations of arithmetic operations, using the properties of numbers and operations (AC9M6A02)

Elaborations
  • using brackets and the order of operations to write number sentences and appreciating the need for an agreed set of rules to complete multiple operations within the same number sentence; for example, for \(40 รท 2 \times (4 + 6) = \square\), you solve what is in the brackets first then complete the number sentence from left to right as there is no hierarchy between division and multiplication
  • constructing equivalent number sentences involving brackets and combinations of the \(4\) operations; explaining the need to have shared agreement on the order of operations when solving problems involving more than one operation to have unique solutions
  • finding pairs of unknown values in numerical equations that make the equation hold true; for example, listing possible combinations of natural numbers that make this statement true: \(6+4\times8\;=\;6\times\bigtriangleup+\square\)
  • applying knowledge of inverse operations and number properties to create equivalent number sentences; removing one of the numbers and replacing it with a symbol, then swapping with a classmate to find the unknown values
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
ScOT terms

Associativity,  Distributivity,  Round brackets (Mathematical notation),  Equations

Online

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

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Sites2See: Patterns and Algebra

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TIMES Module 9: Number and Algebra: multiplication of whole numbers - teacher guide

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Find unknown values: Year 6 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 6 is for the topic of Find unknown values. Students find unknown quantities in numerical equations involving a combination of operations.

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The Numberline

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Sites2See – number for primary

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

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Whole numbers with all four operations

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses whole numbers with the four operations from the Australian Curriculum for year 6 students. It contains material on the strategies and algorithms used when adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers. There are pages for both teachers ...

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MathXplosion, Ep 1: Magic 9s

Follow these simple calculations to illustrate the special properties of the number 9. Pick your favourite number between 1 and 9 and multiply that number by 3. Add 3 to your answer. Multiply the result by 3. Treat your two-digit answer as two separate numbers and add them together. No matter what number you pick to start ...

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Patterns, primes and Pascal's Triangle

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Catalyst: Take the Phi Golden challenge

The golden ratio, Phi: fact or fallacy? What about the Fibonacci sequence? We are told this ratio and its cousin Fibonacci occur everywhere in nature. Let's see which of these claims stacks up when put to the test.

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Sphero slalom lesson

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Factors, multiples, primes: Year 6 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 6 is for the topic of Factors and multiples. Students decompose composites into their prime factors and recognise primes as the building blocks of composite numbers. Students consolidate use of the distributive and commutative laws of multiplication to simplify calculations.

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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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MathXplosion, Ep 11: Fun facts about the number seven

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Circus towers: square stacks

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The difference bar: go figure

This tutorial is suitable for use with a screen reader. It explains how to split up numbers in your head when finding the difference between two numbers such as 26 and 73. Work through sample questions and instructions explaining how to use linear partitioning techniques. Find the difference between pairs of numbers. Split ...