Numbers can be added in any order

I understand that numbers can be added in any order.

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Year 3

Numbers can be added in any order

I understand that numbers can be added in any order.

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Share activities with pupils

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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.

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.

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.

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).