New
New
Year 3
Use the additive relationship to rearrange subtraction equations
I can rearrange subtraction equations.
New
New
Year 3
Use the additive relationship to rearrange subtraction equations
I can rearrange subtraction equations.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Equations can be represented using part-part-whole or bar models.
- The subtrahend and difference are parts and the minuend is the whole.
- Subtraction equations can start with the minuend or the difference.
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.
Common misconception
Pupils may find it more challenging to use equations starting with the difference, or may make mistakes writing these.
Emphasise the need for balance in equations. Both sides of the equation must be equal. Equations can start with the minuend or the difference.
Subtraction equations can be represented using tens frames. Counters of different colours can show the subtrahend and difference. Pupils should learn that the subtrahend and difference in an equation can be changed over as they are both parts.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
What is 33 − 10 =
Q2.
What is 400 − 100 =
Q3.
Which number in the bar model represents the whole?

17
8
Q4.
What is 130 − 40?
70
80
100
Q5.
Which numbers could complete the bar model?

20 and 45
Q6.
Which equations are equal to 50?
70 − 10 =
20 + 20 + 20 =
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
Which number is the minuend in this equation: 55 − 20 = 35
35
20
Q2.
What is the difference between 11 and 9?
Q3.
Which equations are represented by the bar model?

24 − 44 = 20
44 = 24 − 20
Q4.
Look at the bar model. What part is missing?

Q5.
Izzy writes subtraction equations represented by the bar model. Which equation is NOT correct?

60 − 32 = 28
32 = 60 − 28
28 = 60 − 32
Q6.
Match up the addition and subtraction equations.
28 − 8 = 20
28 − 4 = 24
24 − 4 = 20
28 − 14 = 14