Here we have a quick look at Using and Applying Maths in year 4. This involves children using the maths they know to solve problems and, in turn, learn more about maths itself. 1. Choose appropriate methods This section is concerned with getting children to make decisions about: Which operation is involved in word problems. Whether calculations should be done mentally or with pen and paper. How to explain and record the operations used in solving the problem. 2. Explaining methods and reasoning Children should be encouraged to explain the methods they have used when carrying out calculations involving an element of mental work or calculations that have been done entirely mentally. They should explain their methods initially orally to each other or to their teacher/parent. Here are some examples of the type of explanations children should be encouraged to give, either orally or in writing: 47 + 19            19 is nearly 20. Add 47 and 20 to get 67 and take one off to get 66. 47 - 32             40 subtract 30 is 10 and 7 subtract 2 is 5, so the answer is 15. 36 × 2              This is the same as 30 + 30 + 6 + 6 which is 60 + 12, making 72 altogether. 46 – 24             46 is 23 + 23, which is the same as 22 + 24, so 46 – 24 is 22. 281 + 342         200 + 300 is 500.    80 + 40 is 120.     1 + 2 = 3. So the answer is 500 + 120 + 3 which is 623. 3. Solving problems Problems may appear in many forms such as the following: Find numbers that satisfy a particular relationship such as totalling a given number. Arrange a given number of objects in pre-defined patterns such as squares into certain shaped rectangles. Using operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division for a given set of numbers to make a given answer. Fill in missing digits. Construct shapes from a given rule. 4. Make and investigate general statements and real life problems Children should be able to spot a relationship between variables in a situation or, if they are given a relationship, they should be able to investigate it to show that it is true. Examples can be taken from any aspect of the curriculum, but may typically include the following: Investigating relationships between odd and even numbers. Finding a number half way between two other numbers. Spotting if a number is divisible by another number by using the rules. E.g. If a whole number ends in a 0, it is divisible by 10. Using general ideas to find the perimeters of shapes. Children should also be able to describe in words or on paper how they would calculate a question. E.g. How would you calculate how much change is due from a £1 coin if 63p is spent? Children need to able to read and understand problems written in prose that include some elements of real life, although, particularly with younger children, 'real life' has to sometimes be a little artificial in order to keep the problems within their ability levels. They should be able to read the problem, understand the situation described, be able to see what processes are necessary to solve it and then lay out their answer clearly, giving some explanation. Explanations should be brief and to the point and it is good practice to encourage children to set out their answers down the page, one line at a time. Go to more information on Using and Applying Maths in Year 4