Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount
I can compare subtraction as decreasing an amount to other addition and subtraction structures.
Furthering understanding of subtraction as decreasing an amount
I can compare subtraction as decreasing an amount to other addition and subtraction structures.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Subtraction can be seen as both partitioning and as decreasing an amount.
- Both types of subtraction stories are represented by the same equation.
- In an addition story, the amount at the start of the story is increased.
- In an subtraction story, the amount at the start of the story is decreased.
Keywords
Subtraction - To partition one part from another (the subtrahend from the difference), or to decrease an amount by taking an amount away.
Decrease - Make something smaller in size or quantity decrease.
Addition - To find the total, or sum, by combining two or more parts (addends), or to increase an amount by adding another.
Increase - To make something larger/greater in size or quantity.
Common misconception
After exploring reduction, children may struggle to see partitioning as subtraction because a part is not taken away from the whole.
Make strong links between equations and different subtraction contexts by focusing on what the subtrahend represents in each case.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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