Numbers can be added in any order
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I understand that numbers can be added in any order.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which equation is represented by the tens frame?
Q2.What is the sum of the numbers in the bar model?
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?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which two calculations have the same sum as 4 + 3 + 1?
Q2.Alex has these 3 number cards. What is the most sensible order to add them to find the sum?
Q3.What is the missing addend in this equation?
Q4.What number is missing from the equation?
Q5.What addend is missing from the equation?
Q6.What is the sum of the number cards?
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Numbers can be added in any order, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Numbers can be added in any order, 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 Review strategies for adding and subtracting across 10 unit, dive into the full primary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.