Max Maths, Year 3, Learn together, Division leaving a remainder (1)

In a Year 3 maths lesson, students are introduced to the concept of division with remainders. The lesson begins with a practical example where Samir is tasked by his mother to distribute an uneven number of coins equally into bags. With 23 coins at his disposal and placing 5 coins in each bag, Samir finds he has 3 coins left over after filling the bags. This scenario is used to illustrate that when 23 is divided by 4, the result is 5 with a remainder of 3. This is expressed mathematically as 23 divided by 4 equals 5 remainder 3, or in shorthand notation, 23 ÷ 4 = 5 r3. The exercise helps students understand that division does not always result in a whole number and that sometimes there will be a leftover amount, referred to as the remainder.

This foundational mathematical concept is crucial for young learners as it sets the stage for more complex arithmetic operations they will encounter in later years. By using real-life examples, such as dividing coins, students can relate to the material and grasp the practical applications of division with remainders. The lesson is designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring that the concept of remainders becomes a familiar part of the students' mathematical toolkit. With clear explanations and relatable examples, the aim is to build both confidence and competence in handling division problems where the numbers do not divide evenly.