How to see it
Four habits. Understand: underline the question and circle the numbers. Choose: what sum does each step need? Solve: one step per line. Check: does the answer make sense, and does it answer the question that was asked?
A worked example
Step one: four packs at £2.40. £9.60. Step two: £20 take away £9.60. £10.40. Check: the change is less than £20 and more than half, which fits.
The common mistake: answering the first step and stopping
The trap is stopping at the first step. £9.60 is a real answer, to a different question. Before you write the answer, reread the last sentence.
Try one
Three books at £4.50 each and a pencil at 85p. Paid with £20. Change?
- A£14.35
- B£5.65
- C£6.15
- D£15.65
Show the answerHide the answer
Right: B, £5.65
65. Books £13.50, pencil 85p, £14.35 in all.