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Problem solving activities

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

Problems for students to solve, accompanied by a suggested teaching sequence, extensions to the problem, and the problem’s solution.

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Mrs Parore's laundry

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has an algebra focus.
  • Use simple problem solving strategies.
  • Solve a simple problem involving number.
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Pizzas and things

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (multiplication and division) focus.
  • Find half and double of given sets.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (draw a picture, use equipment, guess and check, be systematic).
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The three cold kittens

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (multiplication and division) focus.
  • Count groups of two.
  • Use equipment to model and add sets of twos.
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Sandwiches

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a geometry focus.
  • Divide a region into two equal parts through folding or cutting.
  • Demonstrate that the two parts are equal and describe these parts as halves.
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Fifty toes

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (multiplication and division) focus.
  • Count in 10's to 50.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (act it out, draw a picture).
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Fair exchange

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Identify the value of coins and notes to $5.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically.
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Gremlins

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Model and explain addition facts to 10 and then 20.
  • Model and explain subtraction facts to 10 and then 20.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (act, draw).
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Buttons and bears

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (multiplication and division) focus.
  • Count groups of three to 15.
  • Use equipment to model and add sets of three.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (act it out, draw a picture).
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Cars in garages

Level One
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Identify different names for the same number by drawing a picture, using equipment or acting it out.
  • Use a mental image of 5 to work out the missing number in the number pair.
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Triangular number links

Level Six
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number and algebra (equations and expressions) focus.
  • Use algebra to simplify expressions.
  • Use geometry to assist with algebraic calculations.