Same answer different question

Quick answer

You can make many different maths questions that all have the same answer. For example, 5 + 3 = 8, and 10 - 2 = 8, and 4 × 2 = 8. All these questions give the answer 8!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to find different maths questions that give the same answer. You will know how to think of the same number in many different ways.

Success signs:

• You can make 3 different questions that all equal 12
• You can spot when two questions have the same answer
• You can explain how 5 + 7 is the same as 12 - 0
• You can find real-life situations that match the same maths

Why this matters

When you understand that different questions can have the same answer, you become a better problem solver. It helps you think more creatively and see maths in everyday life. It's like having a secret code that lets you look at numbers from many angles. This skill helps you in games, sports, cooking, and even in making decisions!

How it works

First, pick a number you want to work with. Then, think of different ways to make that number using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. For example, if you choose 6:

1. 6 + 0 = 6
2. 12 - 6 = 6
3. 3 × 2 = 6
4. 6 ÷ 1 = 6

Each of these questions gives the answer 6, even though they look very different. You can also use the same number in different ways to make it.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of how the same number can come from different questions:

Try to find more questions that equal 8!

Here's another example with the number 10:

Try it as a mini adventure

Imagine you are a treasure hunter on a maths island. Your map shows that the treasure is hidden where the number 15 lives. You must find 5 different questions that all equal 15 to unlock the treasure chest!

Let's go on a quest together:

1. 15 + 0 = ?
2. 30 - 15 = ?
3. 3 × 5 = ?
4. 15 ÷ 1 = ?
5. 7 + 8 = ?

Can you fill in the answers? All of these questions equal 15!

Now, let's make a real treasure hunt in your home:

1. Find 5 different toys or objects
2. Count how many you have
3. Make 5 different maths questions that all equal that number
4. Write or draw each question

Great job! You are now a maths treasure hunter!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 10 + 5 = 10 - 5
• Why it happens: Confusing the signs and thinking subtraction is the same as addition
• Fix: Remember that 10 + 5 = 15 and 10 - 5 = 5. These are different answers!

• Mistake: Writing 12 ÷ 4 = 3, but then thinking 12 ÷ 3 = 4
• Why it happens: Mixing up the numbers in division
• Fix: Use counters or draw groups to check your work

• Mistake: Saying 6 × 3 = 18 and 9 + 9 = 18, so they are the same
• Why it happens: Not checking if the operations are the same
• Fix: Make sure you're comparing the same answer, not just similar-looking numbers

Parent and carer guide

Help your child explore different ways to get the same answer by asking questions like:

• Can you think of 3 ways to make 10?
• How can we show 12 using subtraction?
• What happens if we add 0 to any number?

Try these fun activities together:

1. Use everyday objects like toys, fruit, or blocks
2. Play a game where you say one question and your child finds another with the same answer
3. Make a chart with 5 different questions that all equal the same number

Don't worry if your child gets confused at first. It's normal to mix up signs or operations. The key is to keep trying and checking answers together.

Practice questions

Find 3 different questions that all equal the same number:

1. What three questions equal 20?
2. What three questions equal 18?
3. What three questions equal 24?
4. What three questions equal 15?
5. What three questions equal 9?

Answers:

1. 5 + 15 = 20, 30 - 10 = 20, 4 × 5 = 20
2. 9 + 9 = 18, 20 - 2 = 18, 6 × 3 = 18
3. 6 × 4 = 24, 30 - 6 = 24, 12 + 12 = 24
4. 7 + 8 = 15, 30 - 15 = 15, 3 × 5 = 15
5. 3 × 3 = 9, 10 - 1 = 9, 18 ÷ 2 = 9

FAQ

What does "same answer different question" mean?

It means that you can ask different maths questions and get the same answer. For example, 3 + 5 = 8 and 10 - 2 = 8. Both questions give 8 as the answer.

Why is this useful?

It helps you think more creatively and solve problems in different ways. It also shows that numbers can be shown in many different forms.

Can I use this with any number?

Yes! You can try this with any number. The bigger the number, the more questions you can find.

How can I practice this at home?

Use everyday objects like toys, fruit, or blocks. Ask your child to find 3 different questions that equal a chosen number.

What if I don't know the answer to a question?

That's okay! You can use counters, draw pictures, or count on your fingers to help find the answer. It's all part of learning!