Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction.
Key learning points
- The minuend is written first in a column subtraction.
- The subtrahend is written beneath the minuend.
- The difference is recorded underneath the minuend and subtrahend, with the same value digits in the same column.
Keywords
Minuend - The minuend is the number being subtracted from.
Subtrahend - A subtrahend is a number subtracted from another.
Difference - The difference is the result after subtracting one number from another.
Column subtraction - Column subtraction is a way of subtracting numbers by writing a number below another.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle when horizontal calculations do not present the minuend at the beginning of the equation (e.g. 23 = 44 - 21).
Discuss with pupils the minuend as the whole. It is the number being subtracted from. In a column subtraction, we always write the minuend first but it does not always appear first in horizontal calculations.
Teacher tip
If pupils are representing calculations using base ten blocks, ensure they only represent the minuend. The subtrahend is subtracted from this, not represented separately. Bar models are also essential in this session. Discuss the relative size of numbers so pupils complete these correctly.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which number represents the whole in this bar model?
Q2.Subtract 20 from the number represented by the base ten blocks. What answer do you get?
Q3.Which number represents the whole in this equation? 25 − 12 = 13
Q4.Which number represents the whole in this equation? 20 = 42 − 22
Q5.What is 87 − 40 =
Q6.Match up the parts to the correct whole, using the bar model to help you.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which number in the bar model is the minuend?
Q2.Which number in this equation is the subtrahend? 47 − 34 = 13
Q3.Which number in this column subtraction is the minuend?
Q4.What is the name of the part that is circled in the column subtraction?
Q5.Which equation exactly matches the column subtraction?
Q6.Which column subtraction shows the correct difference?
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction, 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 Column subtraction unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.