A matching activity linking worded statements to algebraic expressions, for Year 6 maths. Pupils match single steps like 'I think of a number, n, and add 5', then two-step statements where order matters, then real-life problems such as Sam being 4 years older than Jo. A final question asks why 4n + 5 and 4(n + 5) differ. Answer key included. Matched to the England National Curriculum objective on expressing problems algebraically.
Algebra
“Express missing number problems algebraically”
Every matching task turns words into an expression or equation.
Statements like 'I think of a number, n, and add 5' matched to expressions.
Pairs such as 'multiply n by 4, then add 5' where the order changes the expression.
Word problems, including sharing a box of pencils between 4 children, matched to equations.
Pupils explain why 4n + 5 and 4(n + 5) give different results.
Main activity
The three graded matching rounds build up to two-step notation in one lesson.
Plenary
The 4n + 5 versus 4(n + 5) question makes a strong closing discussion.
Intervention group
Matching removes the blank-page problem for pupils new to notation.
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