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

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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