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Step-by-step practice: Maths · Level 1Chapter 10 · Shapes
Step-by-step Maths Level 1 · Shapes · Lesson 10.4

Step-by-step Maths Level 1: Sorting shapes

Part of the Step-by-step Maths Level 1 shapes chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page

10.4

Sorting shapes

Level 1
Sort shapes by one property, Say which shape does not belong

We can sort shapes into groups. Pick one thing to look at, like the number of corners.

The shape that does not match the others is the odd one out.

Key ideas

  • Sort by one property, such as corners or sides.
  • The odd one out is different from the others.
  • Say why the odd one out is different.
Worked example 10.4.1
Which shape does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C

Method. Count the corners of each shape.

  1. Count the corners. A and B are squares, with 4 corners each.
    A: 4, B: 4
  2. Check C. The circle has no corners.
    C: 0
  3. Write the letter. C is different.
    C

Check. Only the circle has no corners, so C is the odd one out.

Watch out. Choose the property that matches two shapes and not the third.

Worked example 10.4.2
Which shape does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C

Method. Count the sides of each shape.

  1. Count the sides. A and B are triangles, with 3 sides.
    A: 3, B: 3
  2. Check C. The rectangle has 4 sides.
    C: 4
  3. Write the letter. C has a different number of sides.
    C

Check. Triangles have 3 sides. C has 4, so it is the odd one out.

Watch out. Count the sides of each shape before you decide.

Worked example 10.4.3
Sort these shapes into two groups: shapes with 4 corners and shapes with 3 corners. Which shape goes in the 3 corners group?

Method. Count the corners of each shape.

  1. Count the corners. A square has 4 corners. A triangle has 3.
    4 and 3
  2. Find the group with 3 corners. The shape with 3 corners is a triangle.
    triangle
  3. Write the answer.
    triangle

Check. Three corners go in the triangle group.

Watch out. Count the corners to decide which group a shape goes in.

Watch out

Watch out. Sort by one property at a time. Do not change the rule halfway through.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Lay out shapes from the house or cut them from card. Ask your child to sort them into two piles, then say the rule.

Exercise 10D  Sorting shapes

Non-calculator
1
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
2
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
3
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
4
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
5
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
6
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
7
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
8
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
9
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
10
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
11
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
12
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
13
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
14
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
15
PSLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D
16
RLook at the shapes. Which one does not belong? Write its letter.
A
B
C
D

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