Equations and expressions

The Ministry is migrating nzmaths content to Tāhurangi.           
Relevant and up-to-date teaching resources are being moved to Tāhūrangi (tahurangi.education.govt.nz). 
When all identified resources have been successfully moved, this website will close. We expect this to be in June 2024. 
e-ako maths, e-ako Pāngarau, and e-ako PLD 360 will continue to be available. 

For more information visit https://tahurangi.education.govt.nz/updates-to-nzmaths

NA5-7: Form and solve linear and simple quadratic equations.

Students should be able to form the linear equation or simple quadratic (y = ax2 or y = x2 ± c, a and c are integers) to model a given situation (see patterns and relationships). They should understand that solving an equation involves finding the value of a variable when the other variable is defined, and interpret how the solution relates to the original context.

NA4-7: Form and solve simple linear equations.

This means students will form and solve simple linear equations in the form y = mx + c, where x and y are related variables and where m is a whole number and c is an integer, for example q = 3p – c, or a + 5 = 4b. When the value of one variable is given the value of the other can be found by solving the equation, for example 3p – 6 = 18. Students should understand the equals sign as a statement of balance and know what operations to both sides of an equation preserve that balance, for example take off the same number from both sides.

NA3-6: Record and interpret additive and simple multiplicative strategies, using words, diagrams, and symbols, with an understanding of equality.

This means students will use words, symbols and diagrams to explain their number strategies to others. Recording also allows students to think through solutions to problems and allows them to reduce their working memory load by storing information in written form. This is particularly important for the solving of complex, multi-step problems. Students should be able to write the numerals for whole numbers to 1 000 000 at least, simple fractions, percentages and decimals.

NA2-6: Communicate and interpret simple additive strategies, using words, diagrams (pictures), and symbols.

This means students will be able to use words, symbols and diagrams to explain their number strategies to others. Recording also allows students to think through solutions to problems and allows them to reduce their working memory load by storing information in written form. This is particularly important for the solving of complex, multi-step problems. Students should be able to write the numerals for whole numbers, to 1000, and simple fractions.

NA1-4: Communicate and explain counting, grouping, and equal-sharing strategies, using words, numbers, and pictures.

This means students will explain to others the number strategies they use, by using a combination of words, numbers and pictures. This implies that students will learn to write equations to express their findings (for example 5 + 9 = 14), to express their ideas using their own language in conjunction with mathematical language (for example, add, subtract, times, fraction), and to develop diagrams to represent their strategies (for example, set diagrams or number lines).