The idea, step by step
Look at the value
A coin is a piece of money. Its value tells us how much it can buy. A one-dollar coin is worth one dollar. A two-dollar coin is worth two dollars, even though it is only one coin.
The drawings show values clearly. Two one-dollar coins have the same value as one two-dollar coin.
Count money in useful jumps
Read each value first. For a two-dollar coin and a one-dollar coin, start at two and count one more: three dollars.
Notes have values too. A five-dollar note is worth five dollars. Count two five-dollar notes as five, ten. You have ten dollars, not two dollars.
A common trap
Counting two coins as two dollars without checking their values.
Instead: Read each coin's value. Two two-dollar coins are worth four dollars.
See the thinking
One coin of each value
How much is one two-dollar coin and one one-dollar coin?
- Read the values: two dollars and one dollar.
- Start at two and count one more.
- Two and one make three.
Count notes
How much are two five-dollar notes?
- The first note is worth five dollars.
- Another five makes ten.
- There are two notes, but their total value is ten dollars.
Check your understanding
How much are three one-dollar coins?
Show answer
3 dollars.
Count each one-dollar value: one, two, three.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- How much are two two-dollar coins?
- How much is one five-dollar note and one one-dollar coin?
- Which has more value: one two-dollar coin or one one-dollar coin?
- How much is one ten-dollar note?
- Sam has two one-dollar coins. Jo has one two-dollar coin. Who has more money?
- How much are one five-dollar note and two two-dollar coins?
Read the worked solutions
- How much are two two-dollar coins?
Count in twos: two, four.
4 dollars. - How much is one five-dollar note and one one-dollar coin?
Five and one make six.
6 dollars. - Which has more value: one two-dollar coin or one one-dollar coin?
Two dollars is more than one dollar.
The two-dollar coin. - How much is one ten-dollar note?
Its printed value is ten dollars. It is not worth just one dollar because there is one note.
10 dollars. - Sam has two one-dollar coins. Jo has one two-dollar coin. Who has more money?
Sam has one and one, making two. Jo's coin is worth two.
They have the same amount: 2 dollars each. - How much are one five-dollar note and two two-dollar coins?
Start at five. Add two to get seven, then two more to get nine.
9 dollars.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Year 1 money modelling, needs and wants, simple class enterprise and consequences of financial choices. Activities use supplied pretend prices and whole-dollar amounts.
Official curriculum source ↗