Everyday calculations

The numeracy self-assessment includes simple addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, receiving cash and making change, and calculating the cost of items on a bill.

Add when you combine amounts. If three items cost $2.50, $1.25, and $3.00, the bill is $6.75.

Subtract when you find a difference or make change. If the bill is $6.75 and the customer pays with $10.00, the change is $3.25.

Multiply when the same amount repeats. If one box costs $4 and you buy 3 boxes, that is 3 × $4 = $12.

Divide when you split an amount or find a rate. If 4 people share a $12 cost equally, each person pays $3.

Skills for Success says to check whether the answer has the expected size. A $6.75 bill cannot have $100 in change from a $10 bill. If your answer looks far too big or too small, calculate again.

Write units beside numbers when you can ($ , kg, hours) so you do not add hours to dollars by mistake.

The Canada.ca Content Style Guide writes a percent with a symbol, such as 20%. Lesson 4 practises percentages.

Work slowly on paper or with a calculator. Being careful is part of numeracy, not a weakness.