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Year 6 - Maths

Explain the effect on the product when scaling the factors up and down by the same amount

Using equivalence to calculate

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explain why the product stays the same when one factor is doubled and the other is halved using knowledge of equivalence. They will explain the effect on the quotient when scaling the dividend and divisor by the same amount.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to scale factors up and down by the same amount and explain the effect.

Key Notes

  • When one factor is scaled and the other is scaled down by the same amount, the product remains the same.
  • Arrays can represent the product staying the same when one factor is scaled up and the other down by the same amount.
  • Scaling one factor up and the other down by the same amount maintains equivalence.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Equivalent: Equivalent means having the same value.
  • Factor: A factor is a number which exactly divides another whole number.
  • Product: The product is the result of two or more numbers multiplied together.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may not select efficient ways of scaling numbers to calculate the product.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

When one factor is scaled and the other is scaled down by the same amount, the product remains the same. Arrays can represent the product staying the same when one factor is scaled up and the other down by the same amount.

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

Equivalent means having the same value. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may not select efficient ways of scaling numbers to calculate the product. Correction: Discuss possible solutions, encouraging pupils to think about whether they can use known facts (e.g. times tables, multiples of 10) to calculate products after scaling.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.