Max Maths, Year 3, Try it, Halving and doubling odd and even numbers (1)

In the "Max Maths" programme for Year 3, students are introduced to the concept of halving and doubling numbers, with a particular focus on understanding the differences between odd and even numbers. In one exercise, Han demonstrates how to halve an even number mentally by taking the number 68 as an example. He breaks it down into smaller, more manageable parts (60 + 8), then further into equal halves (30 + 30 + 4 + 4), which leads to the conclusion that half of 68 is 34. This method reinforces the understanding that even numbers can be divided evenly and that halving such numbers is a straightforward process.

The "Let's Try It" section encourages students to apply this concept using visual aids such as counting blocks. For instance, when asked to double the number 22, students can use counting blocks to represent the number and then add an equal amount to find the double. The exercise is designed to help students visually comprehend that doubling a number means adding the same amount again, which results in the number increasing to twice its original value. Through this activity, students also learn to categorize numbers as odd or even based on their properties when halved or doubled, further enhancing their numerical understanding and mental arithmetic skills.