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Maths Without Realising

You use maths when checking a game score

A short, exciting page showing children how checking a game score already uses addition and subtraction.

Quick answer

You use maths when checking a game score because you need to add up points, subtract points, or compare scores – and that’s all addition and subtraction!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that checking a game score uses maths like addition and subtraction – and you do it every day without even realising it! Success signs:
  • You can add up points from different parts of a game
  • You can find the difference between two scores
  • You can tell if one score is higher or lower than another
  • You can explain how maths helps you check your game score

Why this matters

When you play games, you're not just having fun – you're also using maths! Whether it’s a football match, a board game, a card game, or even a video game, you use maths to count points, keep track of who’s winning, and decide who wins. Learning to check scores helps you understand how numbers work in real life. It also builds your confidence in maths so you can solve problems quickly and easily.

How it works

Checking a game score is really just addition and subtraction in action:
  1. Add points – You add up points from each round or event to find the total score.
  2. Subtract points – If a player loses points, you take them away from their score.
  3. Compare scores – You decide who is winning or losing by comparing numbers.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real examples of how you use maths when checking a game score. Example 1: Football Game Imagine you’re watching a football match. In the first half, your team scores 3 goals. In the second half, they score 2 goals. How many goals did they score in total?
  • 3 + 2 = 5 goals
That’s addition! You added the goals from each half to find the total. Example 2: Board Game You’re playing a board game. You roll the dice and move 4 spaces. Then you land on a space that gives you 3 points. You also land on a space that makes you lose 1 point. What is your total score?
  • 3 - 1 = 2 points added
That’s subtraction! You took away 1 point from your total. Example 3: Card Game In a card game, you win 5 points for each card you collect. You collect 3 cards. How many points do you have?
  • 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 points
That’s repeated addition – the same number added multiple times.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Score Keeper Challenge You are the scorekeeper for a fun game of “Catch the Dragon” in your garden. Here’s how the game works:
  • Each round, you collect 2 points for every dragon you catch.
  • You also lose 1 point for every dragon you miss.
  • At the end of the game, you need to add up all your points to see who wins.
Round 1: You catch 3 dragons and miss 1 dragon.
  • 3 × 2 = 6 points for catching
  • 1 × 1 = 1 point lost for missing
  • 6 - 1 = 5 points
Round 2: You catch 2 dragons and miss 2 dragons.
  • 2 × 2 = 4 points for catching
  • 2 × 1 = 2 points lost for missing
  • 4 - 2 = 2 points
Round 3: You catch 4 dragons and miss 1 dragon.
  • 4 × 2 = 8 points for catching
  • 1 × 1 = 1 point lost for missing
  • 8 - 1 = 7 points
Total points:
  • 5 + 2 + 7 = 14 points
You win the game with 14 points! Great job, scorekeeper!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to add points from all rounds.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to get distracted or forget a round.
    Fix: Keep a list or draw a tally chart to track each round.
  • Mistake: Mixing up addition and subtraction when calculating scores.
    Why it happens: Sometimes points are added and sometimes taken away.
    Fix: Use a simple sentence like “I added 5 points” or “I lost 2 points” to remember what to do.
  • Mistake: Thinking that a higher number always means you win.
    Why it happens: In some games, a lower score might win.
    Fix: Always check the rules of the game to see what score wins.

Parent and carer guide

Checking a game score is a fun way to use maths at home! Here’s how you can help your child:
  • Play a simple game with them and ask them to count the points.
  • Ask questions like, “How many points did you get in total?” or “Who has more points?”
  • Use real-life examples like scoring in a football match or a game of dominoes.
  • Encourage them to draw or write down the points to help them add and subtract.
  • Don’t worry if they make a mistake – it’s part of learning!

Practice questions

  1. You collect 4 points for each ball you catch. You catch 3 balls. How many points do you have?
  2. In a game, you score 5 points for each round. You play 4 rounds. How many points do you have?
  3. You start with 10 points. You lose 3 points. How many points do you have now?
  4. You score 6 points in the first round and 9 points in the second round. What is your total score?
  5. You start with 15 points. You lose 5 points. What is your final score?
Answers:
  1. 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 points
  2. 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20 points
  3. 10 - 3 = 7 points
  4. 6 + 9 = 15 points
  5. 15 - 5 = 10 points

FAQ

Why do I need to know how to add and subtract when checking a game score?

Because checking scores uses addition and subtraction! You need to add points to find your total and subtract points if you lose them.

Can I use maths to check scores in any game?

Yes! Whether it’s a board game, card game, sport, or video game, you always use maths to check scores.

What if I get confused when adding or subtracting?

You can use drawings, counters, or a number line to help you. It’s okay to take your time!

Do I always win when I have the highest score?

Not always! Some games have special rules. Always check the game rules to know what score wins.

How can I practice checking scores at home?

You can play simple games with family or friends and keep track of points together. You can also use a calculator or draw tally marks to help you.