Athletics Maths
Maths in athletics: throwing events
Compare distances and order results.
Quick answer
Maths in athletics: throwing events helps us compare distances and order results to see who threw the farthest. You can use addition, subtraction, and ordering skills to measure and compare throws.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to compare distances in throwing events and order the results from shortest to longest or longest to shortest. Success signs:- You can measure and record different throwing distances
- You can compare two or more distances using symbols like < or >
- You can order throwing results from shortest to longest
- You can explain which throw was the best using numbers
Why this matters
Maths is used in athletics all the time! When athletes throw events like shot put, javelin, or discus, they need to measure how far they threw the object. This helps them know who wins and how to improve their throws. You use maths when you play games, measure your height, or even count how many goals you score. Think about it: when you throw a ball and it goes 3 metres, and your friend throws it 5 metres, you know your friend threw further. That's maths! And when you're in a race or a game, you use maths to see who's winning.How it works
Let's learn how to compare throwing distances step by step. First, we measure how far each throw goes. We can use a measuring tape, a ruler, or even steps. Then, we write down each distance. Next, we compare the distances. If one throw is longer than another, we use the symbol > (greater than). If one is shorter, we use the symbol < (less than). Finally, we order the throws from shortest to longest or longest to shortest. Here’s how it works with numbers:- Throw A: 4 metres
- Throw B: 7 metres
- Throw C: 2 metres
- 4 < 7
- 2 < 7
- 2 < 4
Examples you can see
Let’s imagine you're at a school athletics day with your friends. Here are some real throwing events and how maths helps: Example 1: Shot Put- Amy threw 4.5 metres
- Ben threw 3.2 metres
- Chloe threw 5.1 metres
- 3.2 < 4.5 < 5.1
- David threw 8.3 metres
- Ella threw 9.7 metres
- Finn threw 6.9 metres
- 6.9 < 8.3 < 9.7
- Grace threw 10.2 metres
- Harry threw 11.5 metres
- Ivy threw 9.8 metres
- 9.8 < 10.2 < 11.5
- First throw: 2.5 metres
- Second throw: 3.1 metres
- Third throw: 1.9 metres
- 1.9 < 2.5 < 3.1
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Throwing Championship You are the official scorer for a school athletics day! You need to measure and order the throws for the throwing events. Step 1: You have these distances for the shot put:- Throw 1: 3.8 metres
- Throw 2: 4.2 metres
- Throw 3: 3.5 metres
- 3.5 < 3.8 < 4.2
- 3.5 metres
- 3.8 metres
- 4.2 metres
- Answer: Throw 3 (4.2 metres)
- Throw 1: 7.9 metres
- Throw 2: 6.3 metres
- Throw 3: 8.1 metres
- 6.3 < 7.9 < 8.1
- 6.3 metres
- 7.9 metres
- 8.1 metres
- Answer: Throw 3 (8.1 metres)
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 3.2 is more than 3.8 because 3 is bigger than 2.
Why it happens: Children often compare the first number instead of the whole decimal.
Fix: Look at the whole number first, then compare the decimal parts. 3.8 is more than 3.2 because 8 tenths is more than 2 tenths. - Mistake: Mixing up < and > symbols.
Why it happens: Confusing which symbol means "less than" and which means "greater than".
Fix: Remember the symbol points to the smaller number. < means "less than", so 3 < 5 means 3 is less than 5. - Mistake: Not writing numbers in order correctly.
Why it happens: Not understanding the value of numbers.
Fix: Use a number line to help you see which number is smaller or larger. - Mistake: Using the wrong units when comparing.
Why it happens: Not paying attention to metres or centimetres.
Fix: Always make sure you are comparing the same units. If one throw is in metres and another in centimetres, convert them to the same unit.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Practising ordering numbers at home, such as with toy throws or walking distances
- Using real-life examples like measuring how far you can throw a ball or kick a football
- Encouraging your child to explain their thinking when comparing distances
- Using everyday objects to show how to order numbers from smallest to largest
- Checking that your child uses the correct symbols < and > when comparing
- “Let’s see who threw the farthest!”
- “Which throw was the shortest?”
- “Can you put these throws in order?”
- Your child might make mistakes at first – that’s how they learn
- Don’t rush – let them think through each step
- It’s okay if they use fingers or objects to help them
Practice questions
- Compare these throws: 4.1m and 3.9m. Which is greater?
- Order these distances from shortest to longest: 5.2m, 4.7m, 6.0m
- Which is the longest throw: 7.3m, 8.1m, 6.9m?
- Compare: 2.8m and 2.5m. Use < or >
- Order these throws from longest to shortest: 9.4m, 8.6m, 10.1m
- 4.1m > 3.9m
- 4.7m, 5.2m, 6.0m
- 8.1m
- 2.8m > 2.5m
- 10.1m, 9.4m, 8.6m
FAQ
What is a throwing event in athletics?
A throwing event in athletics is a sport where athletes throw an object as far as possible. Examples include shot put, javelin, and discus.
Why do we need maths in athletics?
We use maths to measure distances, compare results, and decide who wins. It helps athletes improve their performance too.
How do I compare decimal numbers?
Compare the whole number first, then the decimal parts. For example, 3.8 is greater than 3.2 because 8 tenths is more than 2 tenths.
What are the symbols < and > used for?
The symbol < means "less than", and > means "greater than". For example, 5 < 8 means 5 is less than 8.
How can I practice throwing distances at home?
You can throw a ball, beanbag, or paper airplane and measure how far it goes. Then, compare and order your throws!