Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction
I can identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction.
Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction
I can identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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.
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.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Identify the minuend and subtrahend in column 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.
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Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



32
22
54
Exit quiz
6 Questions






