The Swedish curriculum (Lgr22) divides mathematics into five areas. Here is what each one means — and what your child is working on.
Number sense is about understanding what numbers are and how they work — counting, comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. It includes whole numbers, fractions, decimals and negative numbers. A secure grasp of number is the foundation for all other maths.
Examples of what children learn:
In primary school, algebra is about finding patterns and understanding relationships. Children solve simple equations like "3 + ? = 7". In secondary they work with formulas and linear relationships.
Examples of what children learn:
Geometry covers shapes, measurement and spatial thinking. Children learn to name and describe shapes, measure lengths, areas and volumes, and eventually work with angles and Pythagoras.
Examples of what children learn:
Children learn to collect, present and interpret data — and to understand chance. This builds critical thinking and helps make sense of news, graphs and everyday decisions.
Examples of what children learn:
The fifth area is not a specific topic but the ability to use maths to solve problems — in words, pictures and real-life situations. It trains logical reasoning and the ability to choose the right strategy.
Examples of what children learn: