Use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems
You can use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems.
Use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems
You can use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The part-whole structure can be used to represent additive problems.
- A bar model can be used to represent additive problems.
- A balance beam can be used to represent equivalence and compensation.
Keywords
Equivalence - Equivalence is when two or more things have the same value.
Compensation - Compensation is a mental strategy which involves adjusting parts of an equation while maintaining equivalence.
Unknown - An unknown is a quantity that has a set value but it is represented by a symbol or letter.
Expression - An expression contains one or more values, where each value is separated by an operator.
Common misconception
Pupils might find it hard to understand that they needn't recalculate the parts after adjustment if the question wants the new whole.
Show jottings and workings for two examples side-by-side. In the 1st example, calculate all the parts after adjustment as well as the new whole. In the 2nd, calculate only the new whole. Discuss with the pupils which is the most efficient and why.
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Use equivalence and compensation strategies to solve problems, 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 Use equivalence and compensation to simplify and solve addition calculations unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
