Is your child aiming for AL1 in PSLE Math but feeling stuck? Many parents wonder, “How to score AL1 in PSLE Math?”, “What is the best way to prepare for PSLE Math problem sums?” or “How can my child score AL1 in PSLE Math?”
These are very common questions—and we completely understand the stress that comes with preparing for one of Singapore’s most competitive exams. At BlueTree Education, we don’t teach your child how to do Math. We show them how to think like top scorers with proven, structured techniques that take the guesswork out of PSLE Math.
Let’s look at three powerful methods we use to help students tackle even the most challenging Problem Sums with confidence.
How to score AL1 in PSLE Math? Take one step closer by mastering these Exam Techniques!
1. The T.C.M. Method – Tame the Toughest Problem Sums
When a student looks at a Math problem sum which looks complicated, they often feel lost.
That’s why we created the T.C.M. Method — a clear, three-step strategy to solve any PSLE math Problem Sum systematically.
Let's analyse the PSLE 2024 Paper 2 Question 12 using the T.C.M. Method
Alan and Barry shared a box of stickers in the ratio 3 : 2. Alan gave 20% of his stickers to Clara who had none at first.
(a) Find the ratio of Alan’s to Barry’s to Clara’s stickers after Alan had given Clara the stickers.
(b) Barry also gave some of his stickers to Clara. In total, 26% of the stickers in the box were given to Clara. What fractions of Barry’s stickers were given to Clara?
Let’s apply T.C.M. Method:
Step 1:
Topic: Identify what topic the question belongs to (e.g., Ratio, Area, Volume)
This question is testing on Ratio and Percentages.
Step 2:
Concept: Spot the hidden concept being tested (e.g., Equal Units, Grouping)
Hidden Concept here is Total unchanged.
Step 3:
Method: How would you solve the question (e.g., Draw models, Unitary method)
The method we will be using is the T3 Table (Tic Tac Toe Table) and Unitary method.
➡️ T.C.M. helps your child break down layered questions and confidently apply the right strategy.
2. Tic Tac Toe – Simplify Multi-Step Calculations Visually
When you hear “Tic Tac Toe,” your first thought might be the classic game with X’s and O’s, where the goal is to line up three in a row. But in PSLE Math, the Tic Tac Toe method is not a game, though it does involve drawing lines like the ones you’d use in that familiar grid.
At BlueTree Education, we’ve repurposed this familiar structure into a powerful Math strategy to help students solve multi-step problem sums, especially in key PSLE topics like Fractions, Ratio, Percentage, and Whole Numbers.
So no, we’re not asking you (or Teacher Bobby!) to challenge the nearest person to a Tic Tac Toe showdown. Instead, we’re asking students to draw a 3-by-3 grid (just like the start of a Tic Tac Toe game) and use each box to break down and organise their working.
The T3 table method is a powerful and versatile tool that helps students organise information clearly when solving complex PSLE Math word problems.
By using a T3 table (also known as a 3-by-3 working table), students can lay out key data points, comparisons, and logical steps in a structured, visual format — making it easier to understand what the question is asking and avoid careless mistakes. (Of course, how neat and effective the table looks still depends on your handwriting!)
This method is especially useful for tackling common PSLE Math topics such as:
- Before-and-after problems
- Rate and speed
- Fractions and ratios
- Units and models
The T3 table isn’t fixed to just 3 rows and 3 columns either. It’s a flexible problem-solving strategy that allows students to add more rows or columns to capture extra details from the question or their workings.
The following are some examples of the use of the T3 table on different concepts.
🔎 Tic Tac Toe gives clarity and helps track variables cleanly.
3. S.O.L.V.E. technique – Bring Order to Complex Word Problems
We have identified the T.C.M of the question. However, identifying the T.C.M does not provide us with the workings and answers for the question. We have to apply S.O.L.V.E to the question.
Alan and Barry shared a box of stickers in the ratio 3 : 2. Alan gave 20% of his stickers to Clara who had none at first.
(a) Find the ratio of Alan’s to Barry’s to Clara’s stickers after Alan had given Clara the stickers.
(b) Barry also gave some of his stickers to Clara. In total, 26% of the stickers in the box were given to Clara. What fractions of Barry’s stickers were given to Clara?
Use S.O.L.VE. Method:
Step 1: Search for clues
Part (a)
The question has given us various information and it will be much easier if we rewrite this information into a format that we are familiar with. This is where the Tic-Tac-Toe Table comes in handy.
I have included a “Total” column as we have identified the concept to be Total Unchanged. Hence, we should be keeping track of our total as well.
Having units and percentage in the same table complicates things. I shall convert the percentages into a fraction to have all units in our table.
20 % = 1/5
Let’s use the S.O.L.VE. Method again!
Step 2: Obtain Evidence
Oh no! We have another issue at hand. According to the fraction, Alan has 5 u but the question states that he has 3 u. Is there any way we can make them the same?
L.C.M (Lowest Common Multiple) of 3 and 5 = 15
20 % = (1 x 3)/(5 x 3) = 3/15
Now, we loop and link the information together.
Wow! Without using the other parts of the S.O.L.V.E technique, we managed to find the answer for part (a).
Ans: 12 : 10 : 3
Part (b)
Let’s use S.O.L.VE. technique again to analyse the second part of the question!
Step 1: Search for clues
It looks like more information has been given in part (b). Let’s draw a new T3 table to reflect this information.
Once again, we have percentages and units in our table. Time to convert our percentages into fractions.
26 % = 26/100 = 13/50
Step 2: Obtain evidence
Looks like we have to do the same thing as before. This time, we have to make the total to be 50 u.
With this new and improved set of information, we can find how many units of stickers did Clara receive from Barry.
13 u – 6 u = 7 u
Step 3: Locate the key
Since there is no information given regarding the number of stickers, we are not able to calculate 1 u of stickers.
Step 4: SolVE mystery
Given that Barry had 20 u at first and he gave Clara 7 u, we can finally solve part (b).
Gave/ Total = 7/20 (Ans)
🧩 S.O.L.V.E. technique trains students to decode tricky wording confidently, even under time constraints
Want your child to score AL1 for PSLE Math? Let's Tackle PSLE 2024 (Paper 2, Question 15) Using The Exam Techniques We've Learnt!
Rafiq cut a large rectangular block into two smaller rectangular blocks A and B. The volume of A was 384 cm3 while that of B was 1056 cm3. The height of B was 14 cm more than that of A.
Find the height of the large rectangular block.
Firstly, let's apply the T.C.M. technique
Topic: Volume
Concept: Repeated identity (base area or Length and Breadth)
Method: T3 Table
Next, Let's Use S.O.L.VE. technique
Step 1: Search for clues
Upon seeing the method as T3 Table, I believe many are confused on how can we arrange the information in a table. There is no Before and After. Remember, T3 Table is a versatile tool. Are there other methods that we can use? Yes, but let’s apply what we have learnt today to reinforce the method.
Step 2: Obtain evidence
With all the given clues written in the table, we will try to find out as much information as possible to fill in the blanks. Starting from the difference in volume.
Note* : If your T3 table has enough space, you may even write your working in it! However, make sure you have a neat handwriting if you plan to do this. You do not want to start guessing where does each number is supposed to be due to messy handwriting.
Step 3: Locate the key
Time to find our base area!
Base Area = Volume ÷ Height
1 u -> 672 cm3 ÷ 14 cm = 48 cm2
Step 4: SolVE mystery
Height of A= 384 cm3 ÷ 48 cm2 = 8 cm
Height of B= 8 cm + 14 cm = 22 cm
Height of large rectangular block= 8 cm + 22 cm = 30 cm (Ans)
Try It Yourself: PSLE 2024 (Paper 2, Question 16)
At first , Devi, Eric and Haziq had some money. Devi and Eric donated the same amount of money to a charity. Haziq donated 3 times as much as Eric. Devi donated 1/4 of her money, Eric donated 2/7 of his money and Haziq donated 2/5 of his money. (a) At first, who had the most amount of money and who had the least? (b) The 3 children had a total of $1560 at first. How much money did Haziq donate?
Before scrolling down for the answer, try applying the TCM, Tic-Tac-Toe and S.O.L.VE. Techniques to solve this question. With these techniques, it’ll get your child one step closer towards AL1 in PSLE Math!
Firstly, let's apply the T.C.M. technique
Topic: Fractions
Concept: Equal Fractions
Method: T3 Table
Next, Let's Use S.O.L.VE. technique
Step 1: Search for clues
Since each of them donated a fraction of their money, let us first write down our information based on those fractions.
Step 2: Obtain evidence
Devi is supposed to donate the same amount as Eric. Let’s make Devi donate 2 units by multiplying her numbers by 2.
Haziq is supposed to donate 3 times as much as Eric. Let’s make Haziq donate 6 units by multiplying his number by 3.
Step 3: Locate the key
We do not have any number to represent the units yet for part (a).
Step 4: SolVE mystery
Based on the T3 table, Eric has the most units (15 u) at first while Haziq has the least units (7 u) at first.
Answer:
Most money: Haziq
Least money: Eric
part (b)
Step 1: Search for clues
Let us add in the additional information given in the question.
Total at first = $1560
Total units at first à 8 u + 7 u + 15 u = 30 u
30 u = $1560
Step 3: Locate the key
Now we can find 1 unit.
1 u = $1560 ÷ 30 = $ 52
Step 4: SolVE mystery
Based on the T3 table, Haziq donated 6 units.
6 u = $ 52 x 6 = $ 312 (Ans)
Did you managed to get the last question correct? Which method did you use?
How to score AL1 for PSLE Math? We can help your child tackle the hardest PSLE Questions with confidence!
✅ Top Takeaway
• Hardest questions are all about layering: fractions, ratios, geometry, volumes, rates
• Our techniques break them into bite-size, manageable steps
• Students don’t just get the answer; they understand the process
🚀 Ready for Your Child to Score AL1 in PSLE Math?
In our PSLE Math Trial Class, your child will:
• Work on hardest Math questions
• Use T.C.M., S.O.L.V.E., Tic Tac Toe hands-on
• Build strategic thinking and overcome exam anxiety
• Get immediate personalized feedback
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