Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 6 - Maths

Solve problems explaining which strategy is most efficient

Rounding and solving problems with numbers up to 7 digits

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will use their knowledge of the composition of seven-digit numbers to round them and to solve problems, adding and subtracting numbers whilst crossing the millions boundary.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to solve problems, explaining which strategy is most efficient.

Key Notes

  • We know different strategies for addition and subtraction including mental and written strategies.
  • Looking at the numbers helps us see which strategy is most efficient.
  • Missing number problems can be rearranged to identify an efficient strategy to solve the problem.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Subtrahend: The subtrahend is the number to be subtracted. It is the second number in a subtraction.
  • Efficient: Being efficient means finding a way to solve a problem quickly whilst also maintaining accuracy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may automatically resort to the use of the formal column algorithms. These are not always the most efficient methods.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

We know different strategies for addition and subtraction including mental and written strategies. Looking at the numbers helps us see which strategy is most efficient.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Subtrahend'

The subtrahend is the number to be subtracted. It is the second number in a subtraction. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Children may automatically resort to the use of the formal column algorithms. These are not always the most efficient methods. Correction: What do you notice about the numbers? Is there a mental strategy that you could use?

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.