Which Symbol?

Problem | Teachers' Notes | Hint | Solution | Printable page |
Stage: 1 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:1

Why do this problem?

This problem is designed to help young learners to use the symbols plus, minus, multiplied by, divided by and equals to, meaningfully, in number statements. Children frequently meet boxes or similar devices to represent numbers but seldom the actual operational symbols. This problem also helps learners understand inverse operations.

Possible approach

You could start with an example like the ones given at the beginning of the problem. It might be useful to use the interactivity with the whole group at this point until everyone has the idea that they are finding symbols, not numbers.

After this the children could work in pairs on the examples either from the screen or this printed sheet so that they are able to talk through their ideas with a partner.

At the end of the session the group could gather together again and put up their ideas on the board or use the interactivity. You should also discuss why four of the double number sentences have two answers and two only have one answer. Can they see why this is so?

This problem could also be used as a people maths activity during an asssembly with children standing in line holding cards, thus forming a human equation. The audience can tell the 'symbols' where to stand.

Key questions

What does this symbol mean?
Which symbol tells you to take away?
What do you have to do to "undo" an addition? What about a subtraction?
What do you have to do to "undo" a multiplication? What about a division?

Possible extension

Learners could make some more number statements which can be done in more than one way. Can they make one that can be done three or even four ways?

Possible support

Suggest using the interactivity or, if this is not possible, counters with the five symbols on them which can be moved around on this sheet.

Published November 2009,December 2009.