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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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Calculator count to 1000

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Use calculators to explore multiples of numbers to a 1000.
  • Identify number patterns in multiples.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies.
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My dogs

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Use the properties of multiplication (factors) to solve problems.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (be systematic, guess and improve).
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The Fathers' Day card

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Subtract using decimals.
  • Find ½ of a decimal number.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (act it out, draw a picture, guess and improve, make a table).
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At the movies

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Work systematically to find all the possible combinations.
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The 500 problem

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Explain face, place and total value of numbers.
  • Solve 3-digit subtraction problems.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies (guess and check, think logically).
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Pocket money

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Add a series of two digit numbers.
  • Double numbers.
  • Systematically keep track of their calculations to compare numbers.
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Legs in the barn

Level Three
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number focus.
  • Find fractions of whole numbers.
  • Devise and use problem-solving strategies (draw a picture, guess and check).
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Little magic squares

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Recall addition facts.
  • Know the idea of, and be able to construct, magic squares.
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Make up your own

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (all operations) focus.
  • Use mathematical knowledge to invent problems.
  • Solve other students' problems.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically.
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Names and numbers

Level Two
Number and Algebra
Problem solving activities
This problem solving activity has a number (addition and subtraction) focus.
  • Perform addition and multiplication with 10s and 5s.
  • Devise and use problem solving strategies to explore situations mathematically (e.g. be systematic, draw a picture).