Represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction
I can interpret and represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction.
Represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction
I can interpret and represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Addition is the inverse of subtraction. Addition can 'undo' subtraction.
- Subtraction is the inverse of addition. Subtraction can 'undo' addition.
- When an amount is added to the start of a story, to 'undo' the change we must subtract the same amount.
- When a given amount is subtracted from the start of a story, to 'undo' the change we must add the same amount.
Keywords
Add - o find the total, or sum, by combining two or more parts (addends), or to increase an amount by adding another.
Subtract - To partition one part from another (the subtrahend from the difference), or to decrease an amount by taking an amount away.
Inverse - Inverse means the opposite in effect; the reverse of.
Common misconception
Children may look at the numbers but not be able to visualise the context, for example, they may try to undo 6 + 4 = 10 with 10 - 6 = 4
Use practical equipment to illustrate the importance of the number added and subtracted being the same. Link equations to contexts ensuring that children are secure with what each part of an equation represents when linked to a story context.
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 maths lesson on: Represent the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction, 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.
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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 1 maths lessons from the Additive structures: addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

8 − 2 = 6
8 − 6 = 2




Exit quiz
6 Questions





