This macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet contains four Mathematics starter tasks suitable for UK Key Stage 3 and GCSE sets or equivalent. Odd One Out The purpose of this starter is to enable learners to explain the properties of numbers and develop their use of correct mathematical terminology. Three integers are generated between maximum and minimum values selected by the teacher. Learners are invited to select one of the three numbers and give a reason why it is the odd one out. For example, if the numbers were 6, 36 and 49: 6 is the odd one out because it is the only Perfect Number. 6 is the odd one out because it is the only one that is not a Square Number. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that is not a multiple of 2. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that does not have 2 as a factor. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that is not a multiple of 3. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that does not have 3 as a factor. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that is not a multiple of 6. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that does not have 6 as a factor. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that is a multiple of 7. 49 is the odd one out because it is the only one that has 7 as a factor. The ‘Another!’ button generates a fresh set of numbers. Ordering The purpose of this starter is to arrange six numbers into ascending order. To increase or decrease difficulty, the teacher selects the number range to use (a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 100), the number of decimal places to use (0 to 3), or whether to have a mixture of 0, 1, 2 and 3 decimal place values. Once the learners have filled in the answers, the 'Mark Them! button reveals which responses are correct and incorrect. Changing an answer removes the marking until the button is clicked again. The ‘Another!’ button generates a fresh set of numbers. Decimal Places The purpose of this starter is to round six three decimal place real numbers to one and two decimal places. To increase the level of difficulty the teacher selects the number range to use (a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 100). Once the learners have filled in the answers, the 'Mark Them! button reveals which responses are correct and incorrect. Changing an answer removes the marking until the button is clicked again. The ‘Another!’ button generates a fresh set of numbers. Sig Figs The purpose of this starter is to round six numbers to one, two and three significant figures, The teacher selects the number range to use: either four- and five-digit integers or 5 decimal place real numbers. Once the learners have filled in the answers, the 'Mark Them! button reveals which responses are correct and incorrect. Changing an answer removes the marking until the button is clicked again. The ‘Another!’ button generates a fresh set of numbers.

This macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet contains quadratic questions suitable for UK Key Stage 3 and GCSE sets or the equivalent. For each worksheet, the ‘Generate questions’ button generates ten questions at a time. The solution(s) to each question can be revealed individually by clicking the appropriate ‘Show answer’ or ‘Show answer(s)’ button. Factorising Quadratic expressions are created to be factorised. To vary the difficulty, the teacher can select whether the x² term is always 1, and whether or not the factors will always be integers. If the factors are not integers, they are given correct to two decimal places. Solving Quadratic equations are created to be solved. To vary the difficulty, the teacher can select whether the x² term is always 1, and whether or not the solutions will always be integers. If the solutions are not integers, they are given correct to two decimal places. NOTE: for this spreadsheet to work correctly, the copy of Excel in which it is running must allow macros to execute, and ‘Enable Content’ must be clicked when the spreadsheet is opened.

This macro-enabled Excel spreadsheet contains three styles of simultaneous equation questions suitable for UK Key Stage 3 and GCSE sets or the equivalent. For each style, the ‘Generate questions’ button generates ten questions at a time. The solution to each question can be revealed individually by clicking the appropriate ‘Show answer’ button. Difference The x terms in both equations are the same positive integer and the simultaneous equations are solved by subtracting the bottom equation from the top equation. Addition The x terms in both equations are the same magnitude, but the top x term is positive, and the bottom x term is negative. The simultaneous equations are solved by adding the top and bottom equations. Balancing The simultaneous equations are solved by balancing either the y terms or the x terms and subtracting. Both methods are shown when the ‘Show answer’ button is clicked. NOTE: for this spreadsheet to work correctly, the copy of Excel in which it is running must allow macros to execute, and ‘Enable Content’ must be clicked when the spreadsheet is opened.