The note
How schools teach it now
This is KS2 arithmetic in disguise, including using the order of operations (brackets, then times and divide, then add and take away). Swap each letter for its number, write the sum out, work it, then find which letter has that value.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Give five coins or Lego bricks a letter each on sticky notes, with a value: A = 4, B = 6, and so on. Call out sums like A + B and your child finds the brick worth the answer.
Worked example
If A = 4, B = 6, C = 12, D = 2 and E = 8, what is A + B − D? Give the answer as a letter.
- Swap in the numbers: 4 + 6 − 2.
- 4 + 6 = 10, then 10 − 2 = 8.
- Which letter is 8? E.
Answer: E
Common mistakes to watch for
- Giving the number (8) instead of the letter.
- Working left to right when times or divide should go first.
- Using a letter's alphabet position instead of its given value.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “Write the numbers in first. Neat working means fewer slips.”
- Rather than
- “That's just simple adding.”