Mathematics
What the Mathematics section tests
The ISEE Primary 2 Mathematics section checks second-grade number sense and problem solving. Expect questions on place value, addition and subtraction with and without regrouping, comparing numbers, simple multiplication and division ideas (equal groups), patterns, basic shapes, measurement (length, time, money), and reading picture graphs. Most problems are one or two steps, and many are word problems, so the child must decide which operation to use.
Core rules and concepts
- Place value: in 472, the 4 means 400, the 7 means 70, and the 2 means 2.
- Addition/subtraction: line up ones with ones and tens with tens; regroup when a column is 10 or more (addition) or when the top digit is too small (subtraction).
- Comparison: use > for greater than, < for less than, = for equal.
- Equal groups: 4 groups of 3 means 4 × 3 = 12; sharing 12 into 4 equal groups gives 3 in each group.
- Measurement: read the unit label; 1 hour = 60 minutes, 1 dollar = 100 cents.
- Graphs: read the title, labels, and key before answering.
Worked example
Sam has 14 stickers. He gives 5 to a friend, then buys 6 more. How many stickers does Sam have now? Reasoning: First subtract the stickers he gives away: 14 − 5 = 9. Then add the stickers he buys: 9 + 6 = 15. The answer is 15 stickers. Do not add 5 and 6 first, because the 5 is taken away, not added.
Traps that cost marks
- Doing operations left to right without thinking about what the story means.
- Choosing a number that appears in the problem instead of solving.
- Forgetting to regroup and writing the wrong place value.
- Ignoring units (minutes vs. hours, cents vs. dollars).
- Misreading a graph key, such as one picture standing for 2 objects.