Money maths · lesson 4 of 30 · free

Make an amount — Money maths for kids

How do you pay exactly ₹87? Take the biggest coin or note that fits (₹50), then the biggest that fits what is left (₹20), and so on. This also uses the fewest coins and notes. To find how much more you need, take what you have away from the price.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

The method

Biggest first — “take the biggest coin or note that still fits, then repeat with what is left”

  1. Pick the biggest coin or note that is not more than the amount left.
  2. Take it away and repeat until nothing is left.
  3. How much more is needed = price − money you have.

Use it for: Paying the exact amount at a shop, giving pocket money, and Class 1–2 money puzzles.

Worked example: What is the smallest number of coins and notes that make ₹87? → 5

  1. ₹50 (37 left), ₹20 (17 left), ₹10 (7 left), ₹5 (2 left), ₹2 (0 left).
  2. That is 5 coins and notes.

Check: 50 + 20 + 10 + 5 + 2 = 87 ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 4 test

20 sums. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🧩 Exact Amount Maker badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 10 lessons of Part 1 · Coins and notes. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Make an Amount Worksheet

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