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      Explain what the difference is between consecutive numbers

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what the difference is between consecutive numbers.

      Key learning points

      1. Consecutive numbers have a difference of 1
      2. Consecutive numbers are one more than the one before.
      3. Consecutive numbers are one less than the one after.
      4. Consecutive odd numbers have a difference of 2
      5. Consecutive even numbers have a difference of 2

      Keywords

      • Consecutive - Numbers which follow each other in order, without gaps.

      • Odd - Any integer (not a fraction) that cannot be divided exactly by 2 The last digit is 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9

      • Even - Any integer that can be divided exactly by 2 The last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8

      • Difference - The result of subtracting one number from another. Way in which two or more things we are comparing are not the same.

      Common misconception

      Children may not recognise given subtraction calculations that involve consecutive numbers and will resort to other strategies to calculate.

      Recording equations alongside concrete or pictorial representations (such as cubes or a number line) will help children to visualise the difference and become more confident in spotting equations that contain consecutive numbers.

      Teacher tip

      Children will be becoming more confident to talk about what they notice when given an equation to solve which will help them to choose an efficient strategy to calculate within 20 accurately and quickly. You may want to begin creating a list of those explored within the learning environment.

      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 numbers are odd?

      Correct answer: 1
      2
      Correct answer: 3
      4
      Correct answer: 5

      Q2.
      Which of the following numbers are even?

      11
      Correct answer: 12
      13
      Correct answer: 14
      15

      Q3.
      Consecutive numbers are…

      Numbers that are all even.
      Correct answer: Numbers that follow each other in order, without gaps.
      Numbers that have a ones digit of zero.

      Q4.
      Which number is missing in this count? 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, ___, 18

      Correct Answer: 16, sixteen

      Q5.
      Which of these are consecutive even numbers?

      2 and 6
      2 and 8
      Correct answer: 2 and 4

      Q6.
      Which of these are consecutive odd numbers?

      Correct answer: 13 and 15
      13 and 17
      13 and 19

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these equations will have a difference of 1?

      5 - 3 = ?
      Correct answer: 5 - 4 = ?
      ? = 6 - 4

      Q2.
      15 - 14 =

      Correct Answer: 1, one

      Q3.
      11 - = 1

      Correct Answer: 10, ten

      Q4.
      The difference between 4 and 6 is

      Correct Answer: 2, two

      Q5.
      When we subtract an odd number from the odd number after, it will have a difference of

      Correct Answer: 2, two

      Q6.
      15 - 13 =

      Correct Answer: 2, two

      To help you plan your 2 maths lesson on: Explain what the difference is between consecutive numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...