Explain how constant difference can make written calculations more efficient
I can explain how using the same difference rule can make written calculations easier.
Explain how constant difference can make written calculations more efficient
I can explain how using the same difference rule can make written calculations easier.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- It is easier to use a written strategy for subtraction when no exchanging is required.
- If the minuend and subtrahend are both increased by the same amount, the difference stays the same.
- If the minuend and subtrahend are both decreased by the same amount, the difference stays the same.
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.
Constant - A constant is a quantity that has a fixed value that does not change or vary, such as a number.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to understand the purpose of transforming calculations using constant difference, especially if they are less confident in calculating using mental strategies.
Show pupils sequences of calculations with a constant difference and get them to spot which of them is easiest to complete. Start as simply as you need to here. Constant difference is a helpful tool not a new method designed to lower confidence.
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).
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