Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction

I can identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction.

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Year 3

Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction

I can identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

The minuend is written first in a column subtraction.
The subtrahend is written beneath the minuend.
The difference is recorded underneath the minuend and subtrahend, with the same value digits in the same column.

Common misconception

Pupils may struggle when horizontal calculations do not present the minuend at the beginning of the equation (e.g. 23 = 44 - 21).

Discuss with pupils the minuend as the whole. It is the number being subtracted from. In a column subtraction, we always write the minuend first but it does not always appear first in horizontal calculations.

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.
Column subtraction - Column subtraction is a way of subtracting numbers by writing a number below another.

If pupils are representing calculations using base ten blocks, ensure they only represent the minuend. The subtrahend is subtracted from this, not represented separately. Bar models are also essential in this session. Discuss the relative size of numbers so pupils complete these correctly.

Teacher tip

Licence

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