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

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: 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 ...

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 ...

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Addition and subtraction problems can be solved using a variety of strategies: Multi-age 3–6 Year A – Unit 15

This multi-age unit introduces the big idea that addition and subtraction problems can be solved using a variety of strategies.

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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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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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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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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 ...

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.

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 ...

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Addition and subtraction problems can be solved using a variety of strategies: Multi-age 3–6 Year A – Unit 2

This unit introduces the big idea that addition and subtraction problems can be solved by using a variety of strategies.

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The number system extends infinitely to very large and very small numbers: Multi-age 3–6 Year A – Unit 6

This 2-week unit introduces the big idea that our number system extends infinitely to very large and very small numbers.

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The number system extends infinitely to very large and very small numbers: Multi-age 3–6 Year A – Unit 1

This unit develops the big idea that our number system extends infinitely to very large and very small numbers.

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.

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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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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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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 ...