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      Understand that parts can be represented in any order

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I know that parts can be combined in any order and can represent this.

      Key learning points

      1. When parts of a whole are added together, each part is called an addend.
      2. You can combine the parts in any order because they still make the same whole.
      3. You can write the addends in any order because, when combined, they still make the same whole.

      Keywords

      • Partition - To split a whole up into parts (pieces or sections of the whole).

      • Combine - To put parts together to make a whole.

      Common misconception

      Children may believe that addends must be represented in a certain order.

      Ensure parts are seen alongside objects and pictures presented in different ways so the visual always matches the given expression.

      Teacher tip

      Plan to explore contexts where parts can be reversed and don't initially appear to match visuals so that this can be discussed and corrected. Always ensure precise language is used when describing what each number in the expression represents.

      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.
      Jacob represents this picture like this, 2 + 3. What does the 3 represent?

      An image in a quiz
      the whole group
      the cups with juice
      Correct answer: the empty cups

      Q2.
      Picture 3 apples and 3 oranges. Represent this using numerals and the plus sign.

      Correct Answer: 3 + 3, 3+3

      Q3.
      Jacob writes this to represent the picture, 2 + 4. Which part represents the black cats?

      An image in a quiz
      2
      Correct answer: 4
      6

      Q4.
      There are 4 blue counters and 1 yellow counter. We can represent this as

      An image in a quiz
      4 + 0
      1 + 5
      Correct answer: 4 + 1

      Q5.
      Use numerals and the plus sign to represent this picture.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 5 + 3, 5+3, 3 + 5, 3+5

      Q6.
      Which of the following expressions does not represent the picture?

      An image in a quiz
      6 + 3
      3 + 6
      4 + 5
      Correct answer: 9 + 3

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The apples can be partitioned into parts of different colours. Tick the numbers that will complete the stem sentence. is a part.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 2
      Correct answer: 3
      5

      Q2.
      Use numerals and the plus sign to write two expressions with the parts 2 and 3.

      Correct Answer: 2 + 3, 3 + 2

      Q3.
      Match each expression to the one that correctly represents the same amount.

      Correct Answer:2 + 5 ,5 + 2

      5 + 2

      Correct Answer:6 + 2,2 + 6

      2 + 6

      Correct Answer:2 + 3,3 + 2

      3 + 2

      Q4.
      Which expressions can represent this picture?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 6 + 2
      8 + 2
      Correct answer: 2 + 6
      2 + 8

      Q5.
      Picture 3 dogs and 6 cats. Represent this as an expression using numerals and the plus sign.

      Correct Answer: 3 + 6, 6 + 3, 3 + 6, 6 + 3

      Q6.
      Which of these numbers cannot be a part in this whole group.

      An image in a quiz
      3
      4
      Correct answer: 5

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