April, 2009 | Maths Blog

Maths worksheet: Dividing a 2-digit number by a single digit.

When parents come to help their children with maths it is often division which is the most problematic area. Frequently it is the parents who claim they do not understand the ‘modern methods’ used in school today. The final efficient, or standard method of division is much the same method as it has always been: it is the stages that are used to reach this standard method which cause most confusion. These stages, or steps are aimed at providing children with an understanding of the whole process, although I believe that sometimes they can lead to more confusion.

Here we have one of these steps towards an efficient method.

77 ÷ 4

4)77

– 40 (10 × 4)

1137

– 36 ( 9 × 4)

0111

Next, take away a tens multiple of the divisor (4). 10 x 4 = 40.

Subtract 40 from the 77 leaves 37.

Then ask, ‘How many 4s in 37?’

9 x 4 is 36 so it is 9 with a remainder of 1.

Add the 10 and the 9 which makes 19.

Answer: 19 remainder 1.

All these questions have a single tens multiple of the divisor. Of course, this will not always be the case as questions become harder.

Division: 2 digit by 1 digit (pg 1)

Year 5 Maths Worksheet: Multiplying a 3-digit number

This is an intermediate step in the progress towards developing an efficient, standard method of multiplication on paper. It presumes a good knowledge of times tables before starting.

An important part of this process which is often neglected, is that an estimate of the answer should be quickly worked out ‘in your head’ before beginning the written answer. This can be done by quickly rounding the numbers.

For example: 637 x4 is round about 2400.

This intermediate process does the sum 637 x 4 in four parts:

1. Multiply the hundreds 600 x 4

2.Multiply the tens 30 x 4

3. Multiply the units 7 x 4

4. Add the 3 answers.

The first three stages can be reversed, multiplying the units first.

Multiply a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number

Year 2 maths worksheet: missing numbers on a number square

A 100 number square is an essential item to help young children with their maths. This worksheet takes parts of the number squares and asks for the missing numbers to be filled in. It is interesting to watch how children do this kind of activity as it involves both counting on and counting back and a realisation that the number immediately below is always ten more. Most children will prefer to work from left to right, counting up, but they should be encouraged to also work from right to left, counting back, and vertically, pointing out that the units remain the same, but the tens increase by one ten for each square below.

Year 2 worksheet: Missing numbers on a number square