Year 6 Maths Homework

[sherrardk]

My son (who's 10) has been given some maths homework designed to reinforce his knowledge of his time's tables. It is set out in the form of D x C = F, etc. About 4 of the answers are double letters (GK for example). I have worked out what each of the letters should be (because I am a grown up - not from knowing the correct 'way' to do it). I am not going to just give him the answers but do not know how to help him work it out for himself. My husband (ex Primary School Deputy Head) has no idea either. Any suggestions gratefully received. Thanks

[Mosaic]

You could ask the teacher what info he was given to attempt the task - or maybe the teacher is just testing how near to genius he stands by giving him something untaught and seeing how he does.

[cathfromsaron]

i would have thought if it were tables, then the letters would be codes for numbers?have a look at some previous homework or phone a friend's mother? or write a note asking for more time???

[kawakiri]

A few more examples including the ones with double letters would help.

[factor-fiction]

Sounds like a good independent learning activity to me. I don't think they are expecting him to use a pre-determined method- it's a an opportunity to explore.
You could use trial and error, but it's better to use a systematic approach.
First find out which letter represents 1
For example if GxA=G and HxA=H then A must be 1
And if C x D=F then as F represents a single digit there are only a few possibilities for C and D(2x3, 3 x2, 2 x 4, 4 x 2)
And so on.
Let him explore it

[sherrardk]

Hi All - I rang the school and asked the teacher to give him some additional guidance on how to get going on this piece of work. He is generally good at maths (but short on patience) so I didn't want him to get too down-hearted about not being able to complete the work. With a bit of luck, the extra guidance will set him straight. Thanks for your answers.