Space Maths

This term we are going on a space exploration in maths. We have designed space ships and are going to lots of different planets.

Click here to do some Spacey Maths and practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.

Multiplication and division problems

We have been solving real life problems that use multiplication and division.

Multiplication:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/multiplication/problemsolving/game.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/multiplication/problemsolving/quiz.shtml

Division:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/division/problemsolving/game.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/numbers/wholenumbers/division/problemsolving/quiz.shtml

Methods for doubling and halving

Doubling is the same as multiplying by 2, so any method that works for multiplying by 2 also works for doubling. The same is true for halving and dividing by 2.

1. Use objects or fingers to help.

2. Use knowledge of 2 times table

3. Write down the number. Split it into tens and ones. Double or halve each part then add the answers back together.

Eg. doubling

Remember to separate the tens and ones to 30 and 4, not 3 and 4!

This method can also be used for halving.

If it is difficult to halve the tens, separate the tens into a 10 and the rest of the tens.

eg. halving

multiplying

We are trying to learn our multiplication tables. However, until we have learnt them off by heart there are lots of ways we can work out the answers.

1. We can use objects to make groups then count the total number of objects. Eg. 4 x 3 = 12
Make 4 groups with 3 objects in each:

2. We can draw pictures to show the groups. Eg. 3 x 5 = 15 Draw 3 groups with 5 things in each group:

3. We can use our fingers. Eg. to work out 5 x 2 count up in 2's putting a finger up for each number until 5 fingers are up to get the answer.

times tables certificates

We are working towards getting bronze, silver and gold times tables certificates. To get the bronze certificate we need to know the 0, 1, 2, 5 and 10 times tables. To get the silver we need to know 3, 4, 9, 11 and the 6, 7, 8, 12 times tables to get the gold.

We have to be able to say the whole table correct, eg. 2 x 5 = 10, rather than just counting up in 10s. We also have to be able to quickly answer random questions to show we have learnt them off by heart.