04 January 2025
At Matrix Math, we provide an engaging and detailed learning experience for your child. Matrix Math Tuition programme focuses on essential concepts that will further strengthen their mathematical foundation. The lesson synopsis gives parents a clear preview of the topics and problem-solving skills that will be covered in class. At Matrix Math, we ensure that each lesson is designed to build confidence and mastery in math, preparing students for success in both school and beyond.
This lesson focuses on understanding and applying the keywords “more than,” “less than,” and “between” in mathematical problem sums. Students will gain a clear understanding of the meanings of these keywords and how they are used in simple word statements. They will also develop the skills to accurately translate these statements into mathematical equations or expressions.
In subsequent lessons, students will apply these skills to solve simple mathematical word problems confidently.
In this lesson, we will focus on the concept of “Total Concepts,” a term we use to describe problem sums involving multiplication and division. These problems can be categorised into three key types:
The lesson emphasises understanding the underlying relationships between the total, the number of groups, and the number of items in each group through exposure to different ways these concepts can be tested. This approach aims to minimise careless errors and enhance problem-solving accuracy.
In Lesson 5, we’re delving into Long Division, a fundamental yet challenging topic. Key points for this week:
It’s normal for students to find long division difficult at first. We encourage patience and practice. In upcoming lessons, we’ll consistently reinforce these skills to ensure all students become comfortable with long division.
1. Interval Concept
The basics of Intervals concepts and Grouping were taught in Primary 3. The interval concept problem sums for P4 will have intervals and dividers represented by objects (e.g.beads) instead of length (e.g. 5 cm). We will also introduce the Concept of “cuts/slice” as intervals.
2. Grouping with Remainder
For Grouping, we will cover a particular grouping concept involving purchases. For example, if cupcakes are sold in boxes of 6. Each box costs $4. With $38, how many cupcakes can John buy at most?
In Lesson 5, we will focus on the fundamental concepts of Quantity Internal Transfer and Quantity External Transfer. This lesson emphasizes equipping students with the essential skill of using models to visualize quantity transfer, a critical tool for effective problem-solving.
These two concepts are commonly tested in heuristic questions, particularly in Primary 5 and Primary 6, making them an important area of focus.
Additionally, we will challenge students with more advanced scenarios involving Quantity Internal Transfer. These carefully designed problems aim to stretch students’ thinking and deepen their understanding, preparing them to tackle complex problem sums with confidence.
In this lesson, we will continue our journey through FDRP 3, focusing on two pivotal concepts:
These concepts are not only frequently tested independently but are also often integrated with other heuristic problem-solving strategies. They serve as essential building blocks for mastering heuristic approaches, enabling students to tackle a wide variety of math problems effectively.
For the first concept, Common Base, we will emphasise its application in overlapping diagrams—a common format used in school exams to test students’ understanding.
