Here is our 18th December question and answer for the Daily in December: Maths Puzzles and Problems series. Have fun talking to your children about this Christmas themed maths word problem.

I have written a post to introduce this series of maths puzzles and word problems: An Introduction.

The answer and methods that I used will also be shared in a separate video (see below).

I hope you and your children have a brilliant time solving this word problem.

Help Joseph and Nicholas to work out which prime numbers have fallen out of the cracker. Discuss with your child what prime numbers (a number that is greater than one that cannot be divided evenly by any other number but itself and one) are and discuss how you can try out different methods to find the answer.

Prime numbers that could help (see if your child knows them or can work them out before sharing this list): 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97.

This question, or something similar, is one that is a ‘real life’ question type. It is something that your child may want to think more about to increase their skills when using prime numbers and number puzzles. It is a useful word problem type to practice.

How did you and your child get on? Did you get the same answer? Did you use the same method? If not, how did your methods differ?

If you would like to work with me further, contact me to be added to the one-to-one tuition waiting list, the Year 6 SATs Booster Group waiting list or have a look at my pre-recorded courses and digital downloads.