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

Using balanced equations to calculate redistribution

Use equivalence and compensation to simplify and solve addition calculations

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils used the concept of same sum to simplify and solve addition problems.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use balanced equations to calculate redistribution.

Key Notes

  • If one part is increased and the other is decreased by the same amount, the whole stays the same.
  • If one part is decreased and the other is increased by the same amount, the whole stays the same.
  • Redistributing between parts with the whole staying the same is sometimes known as the 'same sum' rule.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Whole: The whole is all the parts or everything, the total amount.
  • Part: A part is a piece or section of the whole.
  • Equation: An equation is used to show that one number, calculation or expression is equal to another.
  • Expression: An expression contains one or more values, where each value is separated by an operator.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The brackets are intended to make it easier for pupils to distinguish between different parts of the expression. Brackets are unfamiliar to learners so may cause errors.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

If one part is increased and the other is decreased by the same amount, the whole stays the same. If one part is decreased and the other is increased by the same amount, the whole stays the same.

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

The whole is all the parts or everything, the total amount. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: The brackets are intended to make it easier for pupils to distinguish between different parts of the expression. Brackets are unfamiliar to learners so may cause errors. Correction: If the brackets lead to confusion then remove them and use colour or some other signifier. Pupils needs to be able to see, understand and analyse any changes through redistribution.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.