Applying maths explained

What is applying maths?

Applying maths is using maths to solve problems: working out what a question is asking, which information matters, how the quantities relate and which calculation to use. It also covers using a fact you already know to work out a related one. A pupil can calculate accurately and still find this hard.

How our test measures it

Our Problems task (Word Problems) asks the pupil to read a short story problem and pick the equation that would solve it. Our Sums task (Derived Facts) shows a solved calculation and asks the pupil to use it to solve a related one. Both are part of the Maths and Dyscalculia screener for pupils aged 7 to 16.

Implications (in class and at home)

In class, a pupil who finds applying maths harder may start calculating as soon as they see numbers, before deciding what the problem asks, or lose track of how the steps of a longer problem connect. At home, it can show up in homework word problems and in everyday maths, such as working out costs or timings.

Implications of a low score in our test

A low score in applying maths suggests the pupil finds it harder than most pupils their age to turn a problem into the right calculation, or to use a known fact to work out a new one. Word problems also depend on reading and language, so look at the Language task (maths vocabulary) too. Weak language scores alongside secure number skills point to a language-based difficulty, which matters especially for pupils learning English as an additional language. The maths norms are first-generation, from 954 pupils in 15 schools. A screening result is not a diagnosis, and it's one point in time.