💰 Money & Coins
Australia has its own special coins and notes. Let's learn how to recognise them, count them, and make different amounts!
🪙 Australian Coins
Australia has 6 coins. The smallest is 5 cents, and the largest is $2. We write cents with a c and dollars with a $ sign.
100 cents = $1.00 (one dollar)
🔢 Counting Coins
To count a group of coins, sort them from largest to smallest value, then add them up.
How much is this?
Count: $1 + $1 + 50c + 20c + 10c
= $2.80 ✅
Tip: Start with the biggest coin and add each coin one at a time.
💵 Making Amounts
There is often more than one way to make the same amount using different coins.
Ways to make 50 cents:
Worked Examples
Example 1: Count the coins
You have: $2, $1, 50c, 20c. How much do you have?
$2 + $1 = $3, then $3 + 50c = $3.50, then $3.50 + 20c = $3.70
Total: $3.70 ✅
Example 2: Make $1.00 without using a $1 coin
Use: 50c + 20c + 20c + 10c
= 50 + 20 + 20 + 10 = 100 cents = $1.00
That makes exactly $1.00! ✅
Example 3: Which group is worth more?
Group A: three $1 coins = $3.00. Group B: $2 + 50c + 20c = $2.70.
Group A is worth more ($3.00 > $2.70). ✅
Key Vocabulary
The smallest unit of Australian currency. 100c = $1.
Australian currency unit. $1 = 100 cents.
A round, metal piece of money. Australia has 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 coins.
The total value of a collection of coins or notes.
Knowledge Check
Question 1: How many cents are in one dollar?
Question 2: You have a $2 coin and a $1 coin. How much money do you have?
Question 3: What is the total of 50c + 20c + 10c?
Question 4: What is the largest Australian coin?
Question 5: A snack costs 85c. You pay with a $1 coin. What is the cheapest way to make 85c using coins?
Pax Says:
"Ask a grown-up if you can look at some real Australian coins. Can you name them all and put them in order from smallest to largest?"
Key Concepts Summary
- ✓ Australia has 6 coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2.
- ✓ 100 cents = $1.00.
- ✓ To count coins, start with the biggest and add each one.
- ✓ The same amount can be made with different combinations of coins.