CoreIn almost every paper that tests this subjectAbout 60 seconds a question in the test
The big idea
Read the whole question, underline the key numbers, and decide what the question is actually asking.
Break multi-step problems into small calculations and write down each step. Think about whether to round up or down (you can’t book half a coach!).
Tips that save marks
Convert pence and pounds to the same unit first.
Check the answer is sensible in context.
Draw a quick bar model for comparison problems.
A worked example
3 books cost £4.50 each. How much change from £20?
3 × £4.50 = £13.50.
£20 − £13.50 = £6.50.
Now try five
Try each one before you look at the answer: answering from memory is what makes it stick. Tap an option to check it. Most children get three or four right at first; five out of five means move on to the next topic.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Aisha spends £5.10 and pays with a £10 note. What is the smallest number of coins Aisha can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 5
How to work it out
The change is £10.00 − £5.10 = £4.90.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £2 + £2 + 50p + 20p + 20p.
That is 5 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (3): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
B (4): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
D (6): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
E (7): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
Question 2Aim for about 60 seconds
Kiran spends £8.01 and pays with a £10 note. What is the smallest number of coins Kiran can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 7
How to work it out
The change is £10.00 − £8.01 = £1.99.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £1 + 50p + 20p + 20p + 5p + 2p + 2p.
That is 7 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (8): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
B (5): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
C (9): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
D (6): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
Question 3Aim for about 60 seconds
Grace spends £3.11 and pays with a £5 note. What is the smallest number of coins Grace can get in change?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 7
How to work it out
The change is £5.00 − £3.11 = £1.89.
Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £1 + 50p + 20p + 10p + 5p + 2p + 2p.
That is 7 coins.
Why the other options are wrong
A (5): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
B (9): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
C (6): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
E (8): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
Question 4Aim for about 60 seconds
144 pupils are going on a trip. Each coach holds 32 pupils. How many coaches are needed?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 5
How to work it out
144 ÷ 32 = 4.50.
Part of a coach cannot be hired, so round up to 5.
Question 5Aim for about 60 seconds
173 pupils are going on a trip. Each coach holds 30 pupils. How many coaches are needed?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 6
How to work it out
173 ÷ 30 = 5.77.
Part of a coach cannot be hired, so round up to 6.
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