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The latest activity to be updated on this site is called "Trial And Improvement" (Learn efficient ways of using trial and improvement to solve real-life and algebraic problems.).

So far this activity has been accessed 84 times and 2 people have earned a Transum Trophy for completing it.

Trial And Improvement

Trial and Improvement (sometimes called 'Guess and Test') is a great way to practise solving problems by using logic, feedback and persistence. It’s one of the few times in Maths when making a mistake is actually part of the method. You guess an answer, see how close you are, then use that feedback to make a better guess next time. You literally learn from your mistakes!

This technique is useful when you don’t have a formula to solve the problem straight away. Instead, you try out numbers until you find the one that works. It helps you become more confident with using equations, patterns and number operations; all skills you’ll need in to do well in exams and beyond.

Trial and Improvement is also something people use in real life: engineers, computer programmers and scientists often test ideas, see what happens, and make changes based on the results. So by learning this strategy, you’re learning how to think like a problem-solver.

Stick with it, each attempt brings you closer to the right answer. The more you practise, the better your guesses become!


Featured Activity

Key Stage 2 Tests

Key Stage 2 Tests

There are some wonderful questions for Year 6 pupils in the Key Stage 2 Maths Tests (SATs) which normally take place at this time each year. Here are some links to Transum activities for the main Maths attainment statements. Click the image above to begin.

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