Year 5/6 Maths

Year 5 explored how many ways one number could be written as the sum of consecutive numbers. Amy Spicer proved that if you add any three consecutive numbers together, it will always equal a multiple of 3. She proceeded to show that the sum of four consecutive numbers gave the number sequence 10, 14, 18 22, 26, 30, and so on. Hanson Gong noticed that numbers which are multiples of 5, starting with 15, are sums of 5 consecutive numbers.

Year 6 reviewed rounding off, using it as a tool for estimation and working mathematically. They discussed rounding money, given that in Australia, there are no 1-cent and 2-cent pieces. When estimating the total of a list of numbers, it was reasonable to assume that each time a number is rounded and added, the further away it gets from the exact answer. This idea was considered and extended upon. Students investigated how good mathematicians successfully communicate their mathematical thinking. Examples and scaffolding of routine and non-routine problems were examined. The unitary method, technique for solving a problem by first finding the value of a single unit and then finding the necessary value by multiplying the single unit value, was explored. in Year 6, found this especially helpful when working mathematically. The importance of neatly set out work and taking risks when solving problems was again emphasised.