The idea, step by step
Use the situation
A need is something required for a particular situation, such as drinking water on a walk or a pencil to complete class work. A want is something you would like but can manage without in that situation. A different person or situation may have different needs.
Explain the choice kindly
When money is limited, meet the stated needs first. This is not a rule that nobody may enjoy a want. It is a way to plan. Give a reason linked to the story rather than guessing that everyone should choose the same thing.
A common trap
Calling the same item a need or a want in every possible story.
Instead: Look at what the person already has and what the situation requires. Give a reason.
See the thinking
A school need
Zara needs a pencil for today's class. She has 4 dollars. A pencil costs 2 dollars and a decorative charm costs 3 dollars. Which purchase meets the stated need?
- The class requires a pencil.
- Buying the pencil costs 2 dollars and leaves 2 dollars; the charm does not replace it.
A need already met
Owen already has a full water bottle for the trip. He would like a new decorated bottle. Is the new bottle a need or a want in this story?
- The need for drinking water is already met.
- The new bottle is an extra choice rather than something required for this trip.
Check your understanding
You need a notebook for class and already own a working pencil. Is a second pencil required by this story?
Show answer
No. It is an optional extra here.
The notebook is the stated missing need; the working pencil already meets the pencil need.
Your turn
6 questions · Work at your own pace.
Read the questions online
- Ali must bring lunch but has none packed. Is food for lunch a need or a want in this story?
- Lily has a suitable school bag. She would like another in a new colour. Need or want here?
- A child needs a 3-dollar glue stick for a project and wants a 2-dollar sticker. They have 4 dollars. What should be bought first to complete the project?
- A story says both a 2-dollar pencil and a 3-dollar pad are needed. How much is needed altogether?
- Two children choose different optional treats with their spare money. Must one choice be wrong? Explain.
- You have 6 dollars. Needed socks cost 5 dollars and an optional toy costs 4 dollars. Can both fit the budget? What plan meets the need?
Read the worked solutions
- Ali must bring lunch but has none packed. Is food for lunch a need or a want in this story?
The story says lunch is required and has not been provided.
A need. - Lily has a suitable school bag. She would like another in a new colour. Need or want here?
A suitable bag is already available.
A want. - A child needs a 3-dollar glue stick for a project and wants a 2-dollar sticker. They have 4 dollars. What should be bought first to complete the project?
It meets the project's stated need and leaves 1 dollar.
The glue stick. - A story says both a 2-dollar pencil and a 3-dollar pad are needed. How much is needed altogether?
2 + 3 = 5.
5 dollars. - Two children choose different optional treats with their spare money. Must one choice be wrong? Explain.
A want can differ between people; no unmet need or budget problem is stated.
No. They may have different preferences. - You have 6 dollars. Needed socks cost 5 dollars and an optional toy costs 4 dollars. Can both fit the budget? What plan meets the need?
5 + 4 = 9 exceeds 6; 6 − 5 = 1.
Both cost 9 dollars, so buy the socks first and keep 1 dollar.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Comparing prices; $1/$2 coins and notes; purchases; limited money and saving; needs/wants; consumer choices.
Official curriculum source ↗