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Making the same amount different ways

Use coins to make equivalent amounts.

Quick answer

You can make the same amount of money using different combinations of coins. For example, 50p can be made with one 50p coin, or two 20p coins and one 10p coin, or ten 5p coins.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find different ways to make the same amount of money using coins. Success signs:
  • You can show different coin combinations that add up to the same amount
  • You can explain why two different coin sets make the same value
  • You can use coins to solve simple money problems
  • You can check if two coin sets are equal in value

Why this matters

Learning how to make the same amount different ways helps you understand how money works. It helps you count coins, pay for things, and know if you have enough money. This skill is useful when shopping, saving, or sharing coins with friends. It also helps you think about money in different ways, which is a helpful skill for all your future maths and real-life money tasks.

How it works

Making the same amount different ways means using different coin combinations to reach the same total. For example, 50p can be made with:
  • One 50p coin
  • Two 20p coins and one 10p coin
  • Five 10p coins
  • Ten 5p coins
To work out different ways, you can:
  1. Start with one coin that equals the amount
  2. Break it down into smaller coins
  3. Try different combinations of smaller coins
  4. Check if the total adds up to the same amount

Examples you can see

Let’s look at how to make 20p in different ways:
Way 1 Way 2 Way 3 Way 4 Way 5
One 20p coin Two 10p coins One 10p coin + two 5p coins Four 5p coins Twenty 1p coins
Now, let’s make 50p in different ways:
Way 1 Way 2 Way 3 Way 4 Way 5
One 50p coin Two 20p coins + one 10p coin One 20p coin + three 10p coins Five 10p coins Ten 5p coins
Let’s imagine you are at a sweet shop. You have 30p and want to buy a chocolate bar that costs 30p. You can pay with:
  • One 20p coin and one 10p coin
  • Three 10p coins
  • One 10p coin and four 5p coins
  • Thirty 1p coins

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Coin Treasure Hunt You are a coin explorer on a treasure hunt. Your treasure map says you need to find different coin combinations that make 40p. You must collect coins and arrange them to show different ways to make 40p.
  1. First time: Find one way to make 40p using one coin
  2. Second time: Find one way to make 40p using two coins
  3. Third time: Find one way to make 40p using three coins
  4. Fourth time: Find one way to make 40p using four coins
  5. Fifth time: Find one way to make 40p using five coins
You can use real coins or draw them. After each time, check if your coins add up to 40p. If not, try again!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 10p + 10p + 10p + 10p = 40p, but forgetting that 10p + 10p + 10p + 10p = 40p, so this is correct. Correction: This is actually correct, but children might think 10p + 10p + 10p + 10p = 30p. How to fix: Count the coins and add the values carefully. Always double-check that the total matches what you need.
  • Mistake: Using more coins than needed. Why it happens: Children might not think about the value of each coin. How to fix: Start with the largest coins first to make it easier to reach the target amount.
  • Mistake: Mixing up coin values. Why it happens: Children might confuse 5p and 10p coins. How to fix: Use a coin sorting game to help learn the values. Practice with real coins or play with a coin chart.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Using real coins to practice making the same amount in different ways
  • Playing a game where you give your child a target amount and they must find different coin combinations
  • Encouraging your child to explain how they made the amount
  • Practising with different amounts, starting with smaller amounts like 10p or 20p
  • Checking that the total of each coin set adds up to the same amount
You can also use everyday situations like shopping or sharing snacks to help your child practice. For example, if you have 25p to share equally between two people, you can ask your child to find different ways to split it. Remember, it’s okay if your child makes mistakes. Learning to make the same amount different ways is a skill that takes time and practice. Be patient and keep encouraging them.

Practice questions

  1. How many ways can you make 10p using different coins?
  2. Can you make 30p with two coins?
  3. What coins can you use to make 25p?
  4. How many 5p coins do you need to make 20p?
  5. Can you make 40p with five coins?
Answers:
  1. Five ways: one 10p coin, two 5p coins, one 5p coin + five 1p coins, ten 1p coins, one 5p coin + one 2p coin + three 1p coins (if 2p coins are allowed)
  2. Yes, two 20p coins or one 20p coin + one 10p coin
  3. One 20p coin + one 5p coin, five 5p coins, one 10p coin + one 5p coin + one 1p coin, and so on
  4. Four 5p coins
  5. Yes, one 20p coin + one 10p coin + one 5p coin + one 2p coin + one 1p coin (if 2p coins are allowed)

FAQ

Can I use any coins to make the same amount?

Yes, as long as the total value of the coins you use equals the amount you want to make.

How do I know if two coin sets make the same amount?

You add up the value of each coin in each set. If the totals are the same, then the sets make the same amount.

Why is it useful to make the same amount different ways?

It helps you count money more easily, pay for things, and understand how money works. It also helps with problem-solving and thinking about numbers in different ways.

What if I don’t have enough coins?

You can still practice by drawing coins or using a coin chart. You can also use other items like counters or blocks to represent coins.

How can I practice this at home?

You can use real coins, play money games, or make up problems like "How can I make 50p using only 10p and 5p coins?"