Calculate the difference
I can calculate the difference and find pairs that have the same difference.
Calculate the difference
I can calculate the difference and find pairs that have the same difference.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When comparing numbers, we can look at the difference between them.
- The difference between two numbers has a value.
- The difference can be shown as a bar model.
- Difference can be calculated as subtraction.
- Different pairs of numbers can have the same difference.
Keywords
Difference - The result of subtracting one number from another. Way in which two or more things we are comparing are not the same.
Same - Way in which two or more things we are comparing are like each other.
Subtraction - To partition one part from another (the subtrahend from the difference), or to decrease an amount by taking an amount away.
Common misconception
Recording a subtraction to show difference incorrectly e.g. knowing that the difference between 4 and 6 is 2, but recording this as 4 - 6 = 2
Stress we can compare 6 to 4 or 4 to 6, but remind children that subtraction is not commutative so the whole (/ the larger number of those being compared) has to be written first in the expression. We can however change the position of the = symbol.
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Calculate the difference, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 maths lesson on: Calculate the difference, 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 1 maths lessons from the Calculating within 20 unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
3
5
8
0
2
Number of pencils
Numbers of pens
Difference between the number of pencils and the number of pens
Exit quiz
6 Questions
5
6
7
8