find unknown values in numerical equations involving brackets and combinations of arithmetic operations, using the properties of numbers and operations

How Bloomi helps with this

This is a readiness-year topic that builds towards the next NAPLAN year. Bloomi practises it as curriculum mastery, never test drilling.

What this looks like in the classroom

• using brackets and the order of operations to write number sentences and appreciating the need for an agreed set of rules to complete multiple operations within the same number sentence; for example, for \(40 ÷ 2 \times (4 + 6) = \square\), you solve what is in the brackets first then complete the number sentence from left to right as there is no hierarchy between division and multiplication
• constructing equivalent number sentences involving brackets and combinations of the \(4\) operations; explaining the need to have shared agreement on the order of operations when solving problems involving more than one operation to have unique solutions
• finding pairs of unknown values in numerical equations that make the equation hold true; for example, listing possible combinations of natural numbers that make this statement true: \(6+4\times8\;=\;6\times\bigtriangleup+\square\)