Partition a whole into two parts and write as a subtraction equation

I can partition a whole into two parts and express this as a subtraction equation.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

New

Year 1

Partition a whole into two parts and write as a subtraction equation

I can partition a whole into two parts and express this as a subtraction equation.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

Slide deck

Download slide deck

Skip slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

When the whole and one part of the whole is known, subtraction can be used to find the missing part.
This can be represented with a subtraction equation.
The minus sign can be used to show that one part has been split or separated from the whole group.

Keywords

Subtract - To separate or take away one number from another, or to decrease an amount.
Minus sign - The symbol in an equation which shows that a number has been partitioned, taken away or decreased.

Common misconception

Children may forget to start with the whole group when writing subtraction equations.

Maintain a strong focus throughout on what the numbers in equations represent. Explore mistakes that are made to clarify understanding.

This lesson teaches the partitioning structure of subtraction. It is important not to refer to subtract as 'taking away' in this context. Stress the link between the abstract and concrete by highlighting what each number in an equation represents.

Teacher tip

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).