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

This is a 16-page guide for teachers. This module introduces addition of whole numbers.

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.

Interactive

MoneySmart: helping out

This is an activity about making choices to raise money for imaginary animals called gumbutangs. Their habitat is being eradicated and something must be done to save them. The user's first choice is between two websites, one a trusted one, the other a scam site. Then they are given choices about how to raise money for the ...

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.

Interactive

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 ...

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 ...

Interactive

Sites2See – number for primary

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

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.