Max Maths, Year 6, Learn together, Division word problems (1)

In the Max Maths Year 6 curriculum, students encounter practical applications of division through word problems. One such problem involves dividing a specific number of items evenly among several containers. For instance, consider a scenario where a box contains 92 tomatoes, and the task is to distribute them equally into 4 paper bags. To find the solution, students are encouraged to visualise the problem by drawing a model with four bags and the total number of tomatoes represented above them. This visual aid helps students understand that they need to divide the total number of tomatoes, 92, by the number of bags, which is 4.

The division is then carried out step by step. Students begin by determining how many times 4 goes into 9, which is the tens place of 92. They find that 4 fits into 9 twice (2 times 4 equals 8), and after subtracting 8 from 9, there is a remainder of 1. This remainder is then carried over to the ones place, making it 12. Next, they divide 12 by 4, which equals 3 without any remainder. By piecing together the results from the tens and ones places, students conclude that 92 divided by 4 equals 23. Therefore, each paper bag will contain 23 tomatoes, ensuring an equal distribution among the four bags. This methodical approach to solving division word problems helps students build a strong foundation in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.