Math Problem Solving - Number: Multi-step solutions ("I think of a number... What number is it?)

To support our children developing strategic methods of identifying missing numbers in multi-step, multi-method questions, we devised this PowerPoint to teach our children the steps they need to work through to experience success.

Initially, we started with a problem and showed them how, by working backwards and inversing the operations, they will be able to guess the number we started thinking about.

By starting with simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts the children learnt and embedded the methods. We then introduced squaring, square routes, doubling and halving, as well as starting with larger numbers.

This PowerPoint includes:

• Model for demonstrating how to work out questions successfully
• A question for the children to check their own working against
• 15 questions - one question per slide
• Answer sheet for all 15 questions
• Template which can be used by you to devise your own questions - linking the skills to what the children in your class need to work on - as well as solving multi-step problems.

The benefit of this PowerPoint is that, once completed, it can be printed off for the children to complete for home learning, or as part of an individual work station.

Our children loved these problems, especially once they understood the ease by which they can be successfully completed - and particularly enjoyed the longer questions with many steps!

We hope that your children enjoy them as much!

Best wishes

INSPIReduation