Selecting and Carrying Out Calculations

Understanding Calculations

Familiarise yourself with arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Differentiate between simple and complex calculations by considering the operations used.
Comprehend the order of operations, often remembered as BIDMAS/BODMAS (**brackets, indices, division/multiplication, addition/subtraction).
Become apt at numerical estimation as a way of predicting results before a calculation is carried out.
Understand the principles of rounding and how it impacts the final result in calculations.

Be aware of when it’s best to use mental arithmetic, written methods, or calculator methods.
Learn to make choices about which calculation to carry out based on a problem’s context.
Recognise the most efficient calculation method to use when multiple options are available.
Familiarise yourself with percentages, fractions, and decimals for variation in calculations.
Develop an understanding of approximation as a method of making complex calculations easier.

Accurately use appropriate calculation methods in problem-solving situations.
Determine how to apply the order of operations in multi-step problems.
Recognise when to make use of rounding or estimation in solving problems.
Consider how the scale or unit used in a problem may influence the choice of calculation.
Check final answers to ensure they’ve been calculated correctly and consistently with the initial estimation.