Year 5

We can decide which calculations to do to solve one-step and two-step problems.
We can solve one-step and two-step problems efficiently.

Year 5 Unit 10b

What we are learning:

• Now that we have practiced deciding which method to use for problems we can apply this to real problems and actually solve them
• It is acceptable to use different methods for different parts of the same problem – e.g. we might choose to do some parts mentally and then use a calculator for other parts
• The method your child uses will depend on how complex the problem is, and how confident they are using different strategies and methods in maths
• Always compare methods if you prefer to solve the problem in a different way – this does not mean that one of you is right and the other is wrong, just that you have made different choices. Compare them and talk about whose method is quicker or easier. Either of you may change your mind, if you wish, for solving problems in the future!

ACTIVITY 1: HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

Activities you can do at home:

Tackle one word problem at a time and discuss how you would each prefer to solve it. Make sure you decide whether it is a one step problem or a two step problem before you begin to solve it. Once you have chosen your method, solve the problem and compare your answers. If you chose different methods compare them to see if one was easier or faster than the other.

102 people came to the sale and paid 15p each to go in. How much money was collected at the entrance?
Each car had to pay £7 to be at the sale.
The school collected £399 from the cars.
How many cars were there?
Anna gets £7.50 pocket money each week.
She saves half of her pocket money each week.
How much has she saved after 16 weeks?
How much more does she need to save to buy a new bike at £299?

Good questions to ask:

Why did you choose that method or strategy?
Which method is the most efficient?
If you tried them again would you calculate some of the questions using a different strategy?

If your child:

Becomes confused about which method to use
Read through the question together aloud more than once. Explore what you know from the question and what you need to find out. Talk about what you might need to do first, second etc.