X Tables
Shopping Maths

Change At The Till maths mission

A junior real-world challenge using change at the till to practise subtraction without feeling like a worksheet.

Quick answer

Change at the till maths mission is a fun way to practice subtraction by pretending you're shopping and working out how much money you should get back after buying something.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to work out how much change you should get from the till when you buy something, using subtraction and counting backwards. Success signs:
  • You can count backwards in steps to find change
  • You can subtract the price from the money given
  • You can use real money or pretend money to solve problems
  • You can solve simple change problems without getting confused

Why this matters

Change at the till is something you do every day when you go shopping with your parents. It's a real-life maths challenge that helps you practice subtraction in a fun way. You'll use this skill when you're older to pay for things, budget your pocket money, or plan your shopping. This maths skill also helps you understand how money works and builds your confidence in handling real money. It's not just about getting the right answer - it's about learning how to think like a shopper and a mathematician at the same time.

How it works

When you go shopping, you need to:
  1. Work out how much your items cost
  2. Decide how much money you'll give the shopkeeper
  3. Find out how much change you should get back
To find change, you subtract the price from the money given. You can do this by:
  • Counting backwards from the money given
  • Using number lines
  • Using objects like coins or counters

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're at the shop buying some sweets. Example 1: You have £2 and you buy a sweet that costs 50p.
  • How much change should you get?
  • Start with £2 (which is 200p)
  • Subtract 50p
  • 200p - 50p = 150p
  • So you should get £1.50 back
Example 2: You have £5 and you buy a toy that costs £3.20.
  • How much change should you get?
  • Start with £5 (which is 500p)
  • Subtract 320p
  • 500p - 320p = 180p
  • So you should get £1.80 back

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Shopping Mission You are on a mission to buy exactly 3 items from the shop, but you have a special budget. You start with £10. Your first stop is the fruit section:
  • Apples cost 65p
  • Bananas cost 45p
  • Oranges cost 80p
Your second stop is the sweets section:
  • Chocolates cost 95p
  • Candy bags cost 70p
  • Ice cream cost £1.20
4th stop: The Till You've picked your items, but now you need to work out how much money you have left. Challenge: Choose 3 items that cost less than £10 total, then calculate how much change you'll get from £10. Mini mission steps:
  1. Pick 3 items (one from fruit, one from sweets, one from anywhere else)
  2. Write down the prices
  3. Add the prices together
  4. Subtract from £10 to find your change
Example:
  • Apples (65p) + Ice cream (£1.20) + Candy bag (70p)
  • Total = 65p + 120p + 70p = 255p = £2.55
  • Change from £10 = £10 - £2.55 = £7.45

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the prices instead of subtracting from the money given
    Why it happens: Confusing what the question is asking
    Fix: Always read the question carefully and remember that you need to find how much money is left after buying something
  • Mistake: Counting forwards instead of backwards when working out change
    Why it happens: Not understanding that change means how much money you get back
    Fix: Think of it as "how much money do I need to get back?" and count backwards
  • Mistake: Getting confused with pounds and pence
    Why it happens: Mixing up the two units of money
    Fix: Remember that £1 = 100p, so 100p + 50p = £1.50
  • Mistake: Forgetting to write the answer in pounds and pence format
    Why it happens: Not thinking about what makes sense in real life
    Fix: Always check that your answer makes sense (like £1.50 not 150p unless that's what the question asks)

Parent and carer guide

This activity helps children practice subtraction in a real-world setting that's meaningful and fun. Here's how to support your child:
  • Set up a pretend shop at home with items labeled with prices
  • Give your child a budget and let them shop
  • Encourage them to use real money or play money to practice
  • Ask questions like "How much change would you get?" after each purchase
  • Let them help plan a shopping trip and calculate costs
  • Notice if they're counting backwards or adding instead of subtracting
  • Keep the focus on the fun of shopping, not the pressure of getting the right answer
5-minute support tips:
  1. Ask your child to tell you how they worked out the change
  2. Use play money to act out shopping scenarios
  3. Make it a game: "Let's see who can work out the change fastest!"
  4. Encourage them to explain their thinking
  5. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes - that's how we learn!

Practice questions

  1. You buy a toy for £2.40 and give the shopkeeper £5. How much change do you get?
  2. You buy a book for 75p and give the shopkeeper £1. How much change do you get?
  3. You buy a chocolate bar for 85p and give the shopkeeper £2. How much change do you get?
  4. You buy a packet of crisps for 40p and give the shopkeeper 50p. How much change do you get?
  5. You buy a pencil case for £3.60 and give the shopkeeper £5. How much change do you get?
Answers:
  1. £2.60
  2. 25p
  3. £1.15
  4. 10p
  5. £1.40

FAQ

What is change at the till?

Change at the till is the money you get back when you buy something and give more money than the item costs.

Why do I need to know about change?

Knowing about change helps you understand how money works, practice subtraction, and prepare for real-life shopping situations.

How can I practice change at home?

You can practice by setting up a pretend shop, using play money, or helping with real shopping trips.

What if I make a mistake when working out change?

That's okay! Making mistakes is part of learning. You can always double-check your work or ask someone to help you.

Can I use a calculator for change?

Yes, you can use a calculator, but it's good to practice doing it mentally too. This helps you get better at maths!