New
New
Year 4

Use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two-part subtraction problems

I can use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two part subtraction problems efficiently.

New
New
Year 4

Use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two-part subtraction problems

I can use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two part subtraction problems efficiently.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Partitioning a factor is called distribution or using the distributive law.
  2. Partitioned factors can be subtracted to simplify two-part subtraction problems.
  3. Eight 9s subtract three 9s is equal to five 9s.

Common misconception

When looking at an expression such as 5 × 6 − 5 × 3 children might be tempted to subtract first leading to an expression like this: 5 × 1 × 3

Ensure that you support the equation with the arrays so that pupils understand where the multiplication expressions come from and they can match the partial products to the arrays.

Keywords

  • Common factor - When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, any factors that are the same are the common factors.

  • Distributive law - The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately.

Consider the contexts used within this lesson and adapt if needed to suit the needs of your class.
Teacher tip

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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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the numbers in the following equation is the product? 18 = 6 × 3
Correct answer: 18
6
3
Q2.
44 + 13 =
Correct Answer: 57
Q3.
54 + 35 =
Correct Answer: 89
Q4.
Which of the following expressions represents the total number of apples if I have 3 bags of 7 apples and 3 bags of 5 apples.
3 × 3 + 5 × 7
Correct answer: 3 × 7 + 3 × 5
3 × 3 + 7 × 5
3 + 7 + 3 + 5
Q5.
Which of the following expressions is the array representing?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: 6 × 3 + 6 × 6
3 × 8 + 6 × 6
6 × 6 + 6 × 9
8 × 6 + 6 × 6
Q6.
Double 72 is ___
138
140
142
Correct answer: 144

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the common factor of the two multiplication expressions being added together in this equation? 6 × 5 − 4 × 5
Correct Answer: 5, five
Q2.
Match the expressions that have equal value.
Correct Answer:6 × 5 − 2 × 5,4 × 5

4 × 5

Correct Answer:6 × 5 − 3 × 5,3 × 5

3 × 5

Correct Answer:6 × 7 − 6 × 3,6 × 4

6 × 4

Q3.
Solve this equation using the distributive law. 8 × 4 − 3 × 4 =
Correct Answer: 20
Q4.
Solve this equation using the distributive law. 7 × 5 − 2 × 5 = {{ }
Correct Answer: 25
Q5.
There are 10 boxes of 6 eggs on the shelf. 4 boxes fall off and the eggs inside all break. How many eggs are left on the shelf? eggs
Correct Answer: 36
Q6.
Aisha gets £8 pocket money each week but chooses to spend only £3 of it and save the rest. How much will she save after 8 weeks? £
Correct Answer: 40, 40.00, £40