Free, high-quality maths lessons for every child

Instructions and algorithms

Follow instructions step by step, run an algorithm machine and put the steps of a plan in the right order.

📖 Start here: read the steps of the “Lesson” in order (1, 2, 3 …) and answer each question. Then continue with “Practice”.

Guide

In Russian schools (Grades 1-4, "Mathematical information") children follow instructions of 2-3 steps, make plans and meet the word algorithm: steps done in order that give the same result every time.

Here an instruction is a chain of calculations, the machine's algorithm "multiply, then take away", and the rules for the order of operations in an expression with brackets. The main idea: steps cannot be skipped or swapped.

The last task is a plan for measuring a length with a ruler: place, find the end, read. Ask the child to write a plan like this for another job, for example making tea.