X Tables
Maths Adventures

Airport maths quest: money

A story-led junior maths adventure using departures, luggage weights and route maps to budget coins, tickets and shop items.

Quick answer

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use money to plan a trip to the airport, including buying tickets, packing luggage, and shopping for snacks.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:
  • Count and add up different coins and notes to pay for airport items
  • Work out how much money you need for a trip to the airport
  • Compare prices and make choices about what to buy with your money
  • Use money to solve simple problems about travel and shopping

Why this matters

Airport maths is useful because it helps you plan trips, save money, and make smart choices when you're buying things. Whether you're planning a family holiday or just want to buy a snack at the airport, you need to know how to count money and understand prices. This skill helps you become more confident when you go shopping, travel, or even play pretend with your toys.

How it works

Let's imagine you're going on a trip to the airport with your family. First, you need to know how much money you have. Then, you need to work out how much things cost. Finally, you need to make choices about what to buy and how to spend your money wisely. Step 1: Count your money You might have different coins and notes in your pocket or piggy bank. You need to add them all up to see how much you have. Step 2: Check prices At the airport, you'll see prices on tickets, snacks, and other items. You need to make sure you have enough money to buy what you want. Step 3: Make smart choices Sometimes you might not have enough money for everything you want. You need to choose what's most important to you. Step 4: Spend wisely Once you've chosen what to buy, you need to make sure you don't spend more than you have.

Examples you can see

Let's go on a pretend airport adventure! Example 1: Counting your money You have these coins in your pocket:
  • 2 x £1 coins
  • 3 x 50p coins
  • 4 x 20p coins
  • 6 x 10p coins
How much money do you have?
  • 2 x £1 = £2
  • 3 x 50p = 150p = £1.50
  • 4 x 20p = 80p
  • 6 x 10p = 60p
Total = £2 + £1.50 + 80p + 60p = £5.90 Example 2: Buying a ticket Your family ticket costs £45. You have £50. How much change will you get? £50 - £45 = £5 Example 3: Shopping at the airport You want to buy:
  • 1 chocolate bar at 80p
  • 2 bottles of water at 60p each
  • 1 sandwich at £1.20
Total cost:
  • Chocolate bar = 80p
  • 2 x water = 120p = £1.20
  • Sandwich = £1.20
Total = 80p + £1.20 + £1.20 = £3.20

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Airport Shopping Trip You are going to the airport with your family for a holiday. You have £10 to spend. You need to plan your shopping trip. 1st time: You see a toy for £2.50. Do you have enough money? Answer: Yes, because £10 > £2.50 2nd time: You buy the toy. How much money do you have left? Answer: £10 - £2.50 = £7.50 3rd time: You see a snack for 90p. Do you have enough money? Answer: Yes, because £7.50 > 90p 4th time: You buy the snack. How much money do you have left? Answer: £7.50 - 90p = £6.60 5th time: You see a drink for £1.10. Do you have enough money? Answer: Yes, because £6.60 > £1.10 6th time: You buy the drink. How much money do you have left? Answer: £6.60 - £1.10 = £5.50 7th time: You want to buy a book for £3.20. Do you have enough money? Answer: Yes, because £5.50 > £3.20 8th time: You buy the book. How much money do you have left? Answer: £5.50 - £3.20 = £2.30 9th time: You still have £2.30 left. What could you buy? Answer: You could buy a small snack or save it for later. 10th time: You have £2.30 left. What is the total amount you spent? Answer: £2.50 + 90p + £1.10 + £3.20 = £7.70

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that £1.20 + 80p = £2.00
    Why it happens: Mixing pounds and pence without converting properly
    Fix: Remember that 80p = £0.80, so £1.20 + £0.80 = £2.00
  • Mistake: Not checking if you have enough money before buying
    Why it happens: Being excited about shopping and not thinking carefully
    Fix: Always count your money first, then check prices
  • Mistake: Adding up prices wrong when shopping
    Why it happens: Making calculation errors or getting confused with numbers
    Fix: Write down the prices and add them carefully, or use a calculator
  • Mistake: Thinking you can buy everything you want
    Why it happens: Not understanding that you have a limited amount of money
    Fix: Make a list of what you want, then decide what's most important

Parent and carer guide

How to help your child with airport money maths In just 5-10 minutes, you can help your child practice their money skills:
  • Play a pretend shopping game with coins and notes at home
  • Ask your child to calculate the total cost of items in your shopping trolley
  • Let your child plan a trip to the airport with a budget
  • Use real coins and notes to practice counting and making change
  • Encourage your child to think about what they can buy with their money
What to say:
  • "How much do you think that will cost?"
  • "Can you check if you have enough money?"
  • "What would you buy if you had £5?"
  • "How much change would you get?"
What not to worry about:
  • It's normal for children to make mistakes when learning
  • Don't rush your child - let them work through problems
  • It's okay if they need to use fingers or counters to count
  • Don't compare your child's progress with others

Practice questions

  1. You have 3 x £1 coins, 2 x 50p coins, and 4 x 20p coins. How much money do you have?
  2. Your plane ticket costs £65. You have £70. How much change will you get?
  3. You want to buy a sandwich for £1.50 and a drink for 90p. How much will it cost?
  4. You have £8. You want to buy a book for £4.20 and a snack for 70p. How much money will you have left?
  5. You find a toy that costs £3.80. You have £5. How much change will you get?
Answers:
  1. £3 + £1 + 80p = £4.80
  2. £70 - £65 = £5
  3. £1.50 + 90p = £2.40
  4. £4.20 + 70p = £4.90, then £8 - £4.90 = £3.10
  5. £5 - £3.80 = £1.20

FAQ

How do I teach my child about money?

Start with real coins and notes, let them count and sort them. Use everyday situations like shopping or going to the park to practice counting and making change.

What is the best way to practice money skills?

Play pretend shopping games, go to the real shop and let your child help count money, or use online games that involve money. The more you practice, the more confident your child will become.

How can I make money maths fun?

Turn it into a game! Use a piggy bank, create a treasure hunt where they need to find the right amount of money, or let them plan a pretend trip. Make it exciting and relatable to their interests.

What should I do if my child gets confused with pounds and pence?

Use visual aids like coins, number lines, or money charts. Practice converting between pounds and pence regularly. For example, show that 100p = £1 and 50p = half a pound.

How can I help my child plan a budget for a trip?

Let your child choose items they want to buy, help them write down the prices, and then add them up. Encourage them to make choices about what they can afford and what they need to save for.