New
New
Year 3
Numbers can be added in any order
I understand that numbers can be added in any order.
New
New
Year 3
Numbers can be added in any order
I understand that numbers can be added in any order.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The order we add the addends does not change the sum.
- Addition is commutative.
- Commutative means that we can change the order of the addends and the sum stays the same.
Keywords
Addend - A number added to another.
Commutative - Addition is commutative. This means the order of the addends can be changed without changing the calculation or sum.
Equation - An equation is used to show that one number or calculation is equal to another.
Sum - The sum is the total after numbers are added together.
Common misconception
Pupils perceive the equals sign = as 'where the answer goes' and struggle with writing equations.
Show pupils that the equals sign represents balance and that equations are equal on both sides of the sign. Balance scales can be used.
Commutativity means we should be looking for the most efficient way of finding a sum to an addition calculation. Encourage children to use doubles and number pairs that total 10 to find an answer.
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).Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
Which equation is represented by the tens frame?

4 + 3 + 1 = 8
4 + 2 + 2 = 8
5 + 3 = 8
Q2.
What is the sum of the numbers in the bar model?

8
9
11
Q3.
What addend is missing from the bar model?

Q4.
Which three dice have a sum of 11?



Q5.
What is the sum of 5 and 5 and 8?
Q6.
Alex chooses 3 of the number cards and adds them together. Which 3 cards did he choose if he gets a sum of 14?

4 and 5 and 6
3 and 4 and 6
3 and 4 and 5
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
Which two calculations have the same sum as 4 + 3 + 1?
4 + 2 + 3
1 + 2 + 4
Q2.
Alex has these 3 number cards. What is the most sensible order to add them to find the sum?

3 + 1 + 8
1 + 3 + 8
Q3.
What is the missing addend in this equation?

Q4.
What number is missing from the equation?

10
12
16
Q5.
What addend is missing from the equation?

Q6.
What is the sum of the number cards?
