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Represent a change story using addition and subtraction symbols
I can represent a change story using addition and subtraction symbols.
Lesson 1 of 10
New
New
- Year 5
Represent a change story using addition and subtraction symbols
I can represent a change story using addition and subtraction symbols.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A change can be positive or negative.
- A change can be represented by a negative number.
Keywords
Positive change - An overall amount has increased.
Negative change - An overall amount has decreased.
Negative number - Any value less than zero.
Common misconception
Pupils believe that subtraction is commutative and therefore equations can be written in any order.
Model with physical resources such as marbles in a bag that 4 - 6 results in a negative change but 6 - 4 results in a positive change.
If the resources are available, allow pupils to spend time engaging with the 'Marbles in a Bag' game to get hands-on experience of physical change. Marbles can be substituted for other resources such as counters.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following words is the same as add? Select all that apply.
Which of the following words is the same as add? Select all that apply.
minus
Q2.The temperature is 32℃. It decreases by 9℃. Tick the symbols that would be needed to write this as an equation.
The temperature is 32℃. It decreases by 9℃. Tick the symbols that would be needed to write this as an equation.
+
x
Q3.The temperature is 12℃. It drops by 11℃. Which of the following unsolved equations matches the problem?
The temperature is 12℃. It drops by 11℃. Which of the following unsolved equations matches the problem?
11 − 12 = ?
11 + 17 = ?
17 + 11 = ?
Q4.32 − 17 =
32 − 17 =
Q5.Which of the following mean 'subtract'?
Which of the following mean 'subtract'?
Add
Combine
Q6.Match the word with its correct definition.
Match the word with its correct definition.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Describe the change.
Describe the change.
Positive change
No change
Q2.Which of the these would result in a negative change to the number of marbles in the bag?
Which of the these would result in a negative change to the number of marbles in the bag?
Put eight in, take three out.
Add seven, take away five.
Q3.Jun is adding in and taking out one pound coins from his piggy bank. Which of these would result in a negative difference to the amount of money in the piggy bank?
Jun is adding in and taking out one pound coins from his piggy bank. Which of these would result in a negative difference to the amount of money in the piggy bank?
Put £5 in, take £3 out.
Add £9, take £7 out.
Q4.People are getting on and off a bus at different stops. The bus already has a number of passengers. Which of these would result in a negative change?
People are getting on and off a bus at different stops. The bus already has a number of passengers. Which of these would result in a negative change?
13 got on, nine got off.
Three got on, nobody got off.
Nobody got on, nobody got off.
Q5.Jun and Sofia are playing the marbles game. They have used the equation 5 − 7 = −2. What does each of the numbers represent?
Jun and Sofia are playing the marbles game. They have used the equation 5 − 7 = −2. What does each of the numbers represent?
Q6.Jun adds £4 to his piggy bank and takes £6 out. Which of the following equations describes this?
Jun adds £4 to his piggy bank and takes £6 out. Which of the following equations describes this?
£6 − £4 = £2
£4 − £2 = −£6
