Algebra in Maths

The pictures show our incredible understanding of algebra. Children move from early concepts of equivalence or ‘balance’, through missing number problems and substitution, to solving problems with two unknowns. Throughout, our children have proved it is never too early to think about problems involving algebra!  

Equivalence in Nursery

In Nursery, the children use concrete resources to ‘balance’ an equivalent number of objects. This develops their early understanding of equivalence and the equals (=) symbol. 

Numbers within Numbers in Year 1

In Year 1, the children learn about ‘numbers within numbers’ and use this to solve missing number problems, represented in ‘cherry diagrams’ and equations. The challenge question in this photo shows the application of this idea to a trickier balancing problem.

Missing Number Problems in Year 4

In Year 4, the children’s learning of missing number problems is extended to different topics, such as perimeter. They apply this learning to find missing lengths of quadrilaterals where the perimeter and one side is known. This means that the children understand that the known and the unknown values need to balance with the total.

Bar Model in Year 6

This Year 6 child draws on bar models to represent problems with two unknowns. The bar models support him to identify the steps to solve the problem. Again, success in this area means that the children recognise that the two unknowns must balance to the total.