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Athletics Maths

Athletics throwing events maths challenge

A child-friendly sports challenge using throwing events to practise measurement with real examples.

Quick answer

You can use measurement, addition, and comparison to solve maths challenges in athletics throwing events like shot put, discus, and javelin.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to measure distances thrown in athletics events, compare those distances, and add them together to find totals. Success signs:
  • You can use a measuring tape or ruler to measure how far something was thrown
  • You can compare two throwing distances to see which is longer
  • You can add up the distances from several throws to find a total
  • You can solve problems about throwing events using maths

Why this matters

In athletics, throwing events are exciting because athletes try to throw objects as far as possible. When you understand measurement and addition, you can:
  • Follow along with the results in sports
  • Help your family understand how far someone threw something
  • Make your own throwing games at home
  • Learn how athletes improve their throws
These skills help you in real life too, like when you're planning a garden, measuring ingredients for cooking, or comparing prices at the shop.

How it works

First, you need to measure how far something is thrown. Then, you compare the distances. Finally, you add the distances together if you want to find a total. Here's how:
  1. Measure the distance: Use a measuring tape or ruler to find how far an object was thrown. If you're using metres, you can say "the discus was thrown 12 metres."
  2. Compare distances: Look at two throws and decide which one was longer or shorter. You can use words like "more than," "less than," or "the same as."
  3. Add the distances: If you want to know the total distance of several throws, you add them together. For example, if you threw 5 metres and then 7 metres, you add 5 + 7 = 12 metres.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're watching a school athletics day. There are three throwing events: shot put, discus, and javelin. Shot Put Example:
  • Tom threw the shot put 4.5 metres.
  • Jessica threw the shot put 5.2 metres.
  • Who threw further? Jessica did, because 5.2 is more than 4.5.
Discus Example:
  • Sam threw the discus 8.7 metres.
  • Lily threw the discus 6.3 metres.
  • How much further did Sam throw? We can subtract: 8.7 - 6.3 = 2.4 metres.
Javelin Example:
  • Ben threw the javelin 10.1 metres.
  • Maya threw the javelin 9.8 metres.
  • What is the total distance of their throws? We add: 10.1 + 9.8 = 19.9 metres.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let's go on a throwing challenge adventure! You are a coach at a school athletics day. Your job is to measure the throws and help decide who wins. Adventure Steps:
  1. First, you measure three throws in the shot put event. The first throw is 3.2 metres, the second is 4.1 metres, and the third is 3.9 metres.
  2. Second, you find the total distance of all three throws.
  3. Third, you compare this total to another athlete's throws: 3.8 metres, 4.3 metres, and 3.7 metres.
  4. Fourth, you decide who won the event by comparing the totals.
Let's do it together:
  1. First throw: 3.2 metres
  2. Second throw: 4.1 metres
  3. Third throw: 3.9 metres
  4. Total distance: 3.2 + 4.1 + 3.9 = 11.2 metres
  5. Other athlete's throws: 3.8 + 4.3 + 3.7 = 11.8 metres
  6. So the other athlete won because 11.8 is more than 11.2.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers together.
    Why it happens: When there are many numbers, it's easy to mix them up.
    Fix: Write down each number clearly and double-check your addition.
  • Mistake: Confusing metres and centimetres.
    Why it happens: Both are units of measurement, but one metre equals 100 centimetres.
    Fix: Always write the unit (m or cm) and remember that 100 cm = 1 m.
  • Mistake: Not lining up the decimal points when adding.
    Why it happens: It's easy to forget to keep decimal points in the same column.
    Fix: Write the numbers in columns and align the decimal points.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Using everyday objects to measure throws, like a ruler or tape measure
  • Playing a throwing game at home, such as throwing a ball and measuring how far it goes
  • Practising addition with decimal numbers in a fun way, like when shopping
  • Encouraging your child to explain how they solved a problem
  • Noticing when they're making mistakes and helping them find the right way to do it
When your child is learning, they might:
  • Feel confused by decimals
  • Want to rush through the problems
  • Make small calculation errors
Remember that these are normal parts of learning. Stay patient, encourage them to try again, and celebrate their progress.

Practice questions

  1. Tom threw the shot put 5.3 metres. Jessica threw 4.7 metres. How much further did Tom throw?
  2. Lily threw the discus 7.2 metres. Sam threw 6.8 metres. What is the total distance of their throws?
  3. Ben threw the javelin 9.5 metres. Maya threw 8.9 metres. Who threw further?
  4. Anna threw the shot put 4.1 metres, then 3.8 metres, then 4.5 metres. What is her total distance?
  5. Leo threw the discus 6.4 metres, then 7.1 metres, then 6.9 metres. What is his total distance?
Answers:
  1. 5.3 - 4.7 = 0.6 metres
  2. 7.2 + 6.8 = 14.0 metres
  3. Ben threw further because 9.5 is more than 8.9
  4. 4.1 + 3.8 + 4.5 = 12.4 metres
  5. 6.4 + 7.1 + 6.9 = 20.4 metres

FAQ

What are the main throwing events in athletics?

The main throwing events are shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw. These are all events where athletes throw a heavy object as far as possible.

How do I measure distances in athletics?

You measure distances using a measuring tape or ruler. For athletics, it's usually measured in metres. You can also use centimetres for smaller distances.

Why do athletes throw differently in each event?

Each event has different rules and objects. For example, the shot put is a heavy ball, the discus is a flat disc, and the javelin is a long spear. The way you throw changes because of the shape and weight of the object.

Can I play throwing games at home?

Yes! You can throw a ball, a frisbee, or even a paper airplane and measure how far it goes. It's a fun way to practice your maths!

What are some ways to make measuring easier?

You can use a measuring tape, a ruler, or even a string and mark the distances. You can also use a number line or draw a picture to help you add the distances.