Efficiently solve subtraction problems (within a whole)
I can make efficient choices about the order when solving subtraction problems (within a whole).
Efficiently solve subtraction problems (within a whole)
I can make efficient choices about the order when solving subtraction problems (within a whole).
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mixed numbers can be partitioned in the same way as whole numbers.
- If fractions have the same denominator, they can be subtracted.
- To subtract fractions with the same denominator, the language of unitising can be used.
Keywords
Mixed number - A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction combined. For example: one and a half is a mixed number.
Common misconception
Children may subtract the incorrect parts of the mixed numbers and/or proper fractions.
What is the number that we are subtracting? If this number is a mixed number, partition it into its whole number part and fractional part.Use unitising to support subtraction.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Efficiently solve subtraction problems (within a whole), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Efficiently solve subtraction problems (within a whole), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers (within a whole) unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions


$$ {1} \over {4}$$ = -
$$ {3} \over {4}$$ − $$ {2} \over {4}$$
$$ {2} \over {6}$$ = -
$$ {5} \over {6}$$ − $$ {3} \over {6}$$
$$ {6} \over {10}$$ = -
$$ {9} \over {10}$$ − $$ {3} \over {10}$$
$$ {1} \over {8}$$ = -
$$ {3} \over {8}$$ − $$ {2} \over {8}$$
Exit quiz
6 Questions
$$1{{3} \over {5}}$$ = -
$$1{{4} \over {5}}$$ − $$ {1} \over {5}$$
$$2{{2} \over {8}}$$ = -
$$2{{6} \over {8}}$$ − $$ {4} \over {8}$$
$$4{{4} \over {8}}$$ = -
$$4{{7} \over {8}}$$ − $$ {3} \over {8}$$
$$2{{1} \over {8}}$$ = -
$$2{{4} \over {8}}$$ − $$ {3} \over {8}$$