KS2 SATs 2016 — Maths Paper 1: Arithmetic

The idea

In the arithmetic paper, many questions use the formal column method. Line the numbers up so that ones sit under ones, tens under tens, hundreds under hundreds and thousands under thousands. Then work from right to left, one column at a time.

For addition, if a column adds to 10 or more, write the ones digit and carry the ten into the next column. For subtraction, if the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, exchange one ten, hundred or thousand from the column on the left, and remember to make that left-hand digit one smaller.

Most errors happen when digits are not lined up, or when a carried or exchanged number is forgotten. Write small carried digits neatly, and check your answer roughly: the result of an addition should be bigger than both starting numbers.

Worked example

Work out 4,376 + 2,859.

1. Ones: 6 + 9 = 15. Write 5 and carry 1 ten.
2. Tens: 7 + 5 + the carried 1 = 13. Write 3 and carry 1 hundred.
3. Hundreds: 3 + 8 + the carried 1 = 12. Write 2 and carry 1 thousand.
4. Thousands: 4 + 2 + the carried 1 = 7.

Answer: 7,235

Watch out

• Forgetting to add the carried digit in the next column.
• Lining up numbers from the left instead of by place value.