Step 4 Objective

Understand and use the relationships between the four operations, and principles of the arithmetic laws.
Use brackets.

Examples of what pupils should know and be able to do

Pupils have flexible approaches to calculations, e.g.

46 × 98 = 46 × (100 – 2)
= (46 × 100) – (46 × 2)
= 4600 – 92
= 4508

Pupils can use brackets and know that they determine the order of operations, and that their contents are worked out first.

Probing questions

What's a good way to work out the answer to 46 × 98?

Would 46 × (90 + 8) give you the same answer?

Why is this not such a good way?

Is (7 × 3) + 4 the same as 7 × (3 + 4)?

Explain.

What if pupils find this a barrier?

Focus on efficient methods in mental calculation. Ask pupils to explain their methods.

<< Previous Step | Next Step >>

Back