Why does my child get the method right but the answer wrong?
Your child makes an arithmetic slip, such as working out 10 - 4 as 5.
Why children do it
Often the method is sound, and one small calculation, such as 10 − 4, slips. It happens most when a child is concentrating on a new idea, and the everyday arithmetic gets less attention. It isn't a gap in understanding, but it costs marks. Checking each step, or putting the answer back into the question, catches most slips.
How to help at home
Ask them to check each calculation by saying it out loud, or by putting the answer back into the question.
The right way
Solve: 4x − 7 = 29
- 4x = 36Add 7 to both sides: 29 + 7 is 36. Check each sum as you go.
- x = 9Divide both sides by 4: 36 ÷ 4 is 9.
Find out where your child is
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Start the free checkRelated mistakes
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