Free practice on Mathematical Operations for Class 6, following the Cameroon primary school curriculum (English subsystem). Every answer is explained, so a parent who is not sure of the answer can still help.
In the exam a long sum is never worked from left to right. Use BODMAS every time. Brackets, then orders, then divide and multiply, then add and subtract. Read the whole sum first, do one step only, then write the sum out again shorter. Marks are given for those lines of working, so never do two steps at once in your head.
Two things lose marks every year. First, divide and multiply are the same level, so you take them left to right. Forty eight divided by four times three is thirty six, not four. Second, when brackets sit inside brackets, open the inside pair first.
| Sum | Right way | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 48 ÷ 4 × 3 | left to right: 12 × 3 | 36 |
| 5 × (8 − (2 + 3)) | inside first: 8 − 5 = 3 | 15 |
| 1000 − 25 × 8 | multiply first: 200 | 800 |
The order (B O D M A S) works with decimals just the same. 2.5 + 3 × 0.4 = 2.5 + 1.2 = 3.7. Brackets first, then multiply, then add.
For larger numbers, break down. To multiply 234 × 56, split: 234 × 50 = 11,700 and 234 × 6 = 1,404. Add: 13,104. Long division uses the same 'divide, multiply, subtract, bring down' pattern.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Long × | Split and add |
| Long ÷ | Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down |
| Estimation | Round to check answer |
| Check with reverse | Divide × back or add subtractions |
Real problems mix operations. Read carefully. Highlight numbers and key words. Plan the order (BODMAS or your own). Compute step by step. Check the answer makes sense.
Use BODMAS: 36 ÷ 6 + 3 × 4 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 18
36 ÷ 6 = 6 and 3 × 4 = 12, then 6 + 12 = 18.
Use BODMAS: (15 − 7) × 6 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 48
Brackets first: 15 − 7 = 8, then 8 × 6 = 48.
Use BODMAS: 1000 − 25 × 8 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 800
Multiply first: 25 × 8 = 200, then 1000 − 200 = 800.
4567 + 3458 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 8025
7008 − 2569 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 4439
125 × 8 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 1000
In 48 ÷ 4 × 3, which working is correct?
Answer: B. 12 × 3 = 36
Divide and multiply are the same level, so left to right: 48 ÷ 4 = 12, then 12 × 3 = 36.
Use BODMAS: 48 ÷ 4 × 3 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 36
Same level, so left to right: 48 ÷ 4 = 12, then 12 × 3 = 36.
Use BODMAS: 5 × (8 − (2 + 3)) = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 15
Inside brackets first: 2 + 3 = 5. Then 8 − 5 = 3. Then 5 × 3 = 15.
Use BODMAS: 100 − 6 × 5 + 10 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 80
Multiply first: 6 × 5 = 30. Then left to right: 100 − 30 = 70, then 70 + 10 = 80.
Use BODMAS: 7 × 3 − 15 ÷ 5 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 18
7 × 3 = 21 and 15 ÷ 5 = 3, then 21 − 3 = 18.
Use BODMAS: 2.5 + 3 × 0.4 = ?
Answer: B. 3.7
Multiply first: 3 × 0.4 = 1.2, then 2.5 + 1.2 = 3.7.
A trader buys 12 crates at 3000 FCFA each and sells them all for 45000 FCFA. Use BODMAS: 45000 − 12 × 3000 = ?
Write your answer, then check below.
Answer: 9000
Multiply first: 12 × 3000 = 36000 FCFA spent, then 45000 − 36000 = 9000 FCFA profit.
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