Max Maths, Year 6, Learn together, Mental methods for calculation with decimals (2)

In Max Maths for Year 6, students learn various mental strategies for performing calculations with decimals. One such strategy involves simplifying subtraction by rounding numbers to make mental calculations easier. For instance, to find the difference between 8.98 and 3.14, students can approximate 8.98 to 9 and subtract 3.14 from 9, resulting in 5.86. They then adjust for the rounding by subtracting the small difference they initially ignored, which in this case is 0.02, leading to the accurate answer of 5.84. This method streamlines the process and reinforces mental arithmetic skills.

Another key concept covered in the curriculum is the manipulation of the decimal point when multiplying or dividing by powers of 10. Students learn that multiplying a decimal by 100 shifts the decimal point two places to the right, transforming 0.22 into 22, for example. Conversely, dividing by 100 moves the decimal point two places to the left, as seen when 13.8 becomes 0.138. The principle extends to multiplying or dividing by 1,000, which involves shifting the decimal point three places to the right or left, respectively. For example, multiplying 1.552 by 1,000 results in 1,552, while dividing 2,933 by 1,000 results in 2.933. These techniques enable students to handle decimals confidently without relying on calculators.