Grade 6 Mathematics is the final year of the Intermediate Phase and extends the number range to whole numbers up to 999 999 and decimals to at least two decimal places. The CAPS curriculum consolidates all five content areas and deepens work on fractions, ratios, percentages and the properties of 2D and 3D shapes. Algebraic thinking is extended through number patterns and equations with unknowns. Data handling is developed with more complex graphs and the introduction of probability. Grade 6 Maths prepares learners for the formal algebra and geometry of Grade 7.
- Count, order, compare and represent whole numbers to 999 999
- Prime numbers, composite numbers, prime factorisation
- Ratio and rate — simplify and use in real contexts
- Input and output values — flow diagrams and tables
- Numeric patterns: constant ratio patterns
- Geometric patterns: identify the rule and extend
- 2D shapes: classify quadrilaterals by properties
- Angle: types and measuring with a protractor
- Common fractions: add and subtract with different denominators
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number
- Percentages: find the percentage of a quantity
- Convert between fractions, decimals and percentages
- Decimal fractions to 3 decimal places
- Decimal multiplication: decimal × whole number
- 3D objects: describe, classify and draw nets
- Surface area of rectangular prisms (informal)
- Algebraic expressions: substitution into simple expressions
- Equations: find the value of the unknown
- Properties of operations — consolidation
- Perimeter and area: triangles and composite figures
- Volume of rectangular prisms
- Data: mean, median, mode and range
- Represent data: double bar graphs and pie charts
- Analyse and interpret graphs — ask critical questions
- Integers: order, compare, add and subtract
- Number lines extending to negative numbers
- Probability: experimental vs theoretical probability
- Tree diagrams for simple probability events
- Transformations: tessellations and enlargements
- Revision of all fractions, percentages and decimals
- Multi-step word problems across all content areas
- Examination preparation: showing working and checking answers
Learn your multiplication tables thoroughly. Almost everything in Grade 5 and 6 Maths — fractions, ratios, percentages, division — requires fast multiplication. Drill your tables until they are automatic.
Show all your working. Marks are given for method, not just the final answer. Even if your answer is wrong, correct working earns marks.
Underline what the question is asking. Word problems contain a lot of information. Underline the actual question (usually the last sentence) and the key numbers before calculating.
Check by working backwards. After solving, verify by reversing the operation. If 48 ÷ 6 = 8, check: 8 × 6 = 48. This catches most errors in seconds.
Draw diagrams for geometry and data questions. If a question describes a shape or data set, sketch it before calculating. A visual representation helps you see which operation is needed.
Mental maths daily makes everything easier. Practise adding and subtracting multiples of 10, 100 and 1 000 in your head. Strong number sense means faster, more accurate working in tests.