Year 3 explorers handle ringgit and sen together: counting mixed notes and coins written as RM6.70, adding up two prices, checking whether they have enough and working out change from RM1, RM5, RM10 or RM20.
What your child will learn
- Count a mix of notes and coins and write the total, such as RM6.70
- Add two prices in ringgit and sen
- Work out the change from a note
- Decide whether there is enough money to buy something
Writing ringgit and sen
RM6.70 means 6 ringgit and 70 sen. The ringgit come before the dot, and the sen after it always use two digits — so 6 ringgit and 5 sen is RM6.05, not RM6.5.
Counting on for change
Shopkeepers often find change by counting on. For RM3.40 paid with RM5: 60 sen makes RM4, then RM1 more makes RM5. 60 sen + RM1 = RM1.60 change.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. How much money is here?
- RM2.60
- RM2.50
- RM2
- RM2.70
Show answer
Answer: RM2.60. Start with the biggest and count on: RM1, RM2, RM2.50, RM2.60. That’s RM2.60 altogether.
2. You have this money. Can you buy a notebook that costs RM6.30?
- Yes
- No
Show answer
Answer: No. You have RM5.80. A notebook costs RM6.30. RM5.80 is less than RM6.30, so not yet — you need 50 sen more.
3. How much money is here?
- RM15.40
- RM15.20
- RM15.30
- RM15
Show answer
Answer: RM15.30. Start with the biggest and count on: RM10, RM15, RM15.10, RM15.20, RM15.30. That’s RM15.30 altogether.
Tips for grown-ups
- Let your child read the receipt after shopping and check the change.
- Give two items and a note and ask, “How much change will we get?” before you pay.