Problem solving activities

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

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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
  • Use their mathematical knowledge to invent problems.
  • Solve other students' problems.
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Perform calculations with negative fractions.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies mathematically (e.g. be systematic, draw a picture).
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Handle smaller and smaller fractions.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (make a drawing, use equipment).
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Multiply large numbers by 8.
  • Find and describe patterns in numbers.
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Find a percentage of a quantity.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (be systematic, work logically).
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Solve problems involving fractions and percentages.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess and check, be systematic, look for a pattern, make a table).
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Explain a meaning of a million.
  • Make sensible estimates of numbers using powers of 10 up to a million.
  • Multiply and divide with numbers up to a million (using a calculator).
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Level Four
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Find a percentage of a given quantity.
  • Perform calculations using basic percentages.
  • Find lowest common multiples (extension).
  • Use Venn diagrams to represent intersecting sets.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (draw a diagram).
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Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Think logically about the sums of single digit numbers.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess, and check work systematically).
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Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Use addition with decimals.
  • Know the idea of, and be able to construct, magic squares.