Use addition and subtraction to solve problems in different contexts
I can use addition and subtraction strategies to solve problems in different contexts.
Use addition and subtraction to solve problems in different contexts
I can use addition and subtraction strategies to solve problems in different contexts.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By looking carefully at the numbers involved, you can choose the most efficient strategy.
- When numbers are close together, finding the difference is the most efficient strategy.
- Sometimes, we can use known addition facts to make finding the difference even more efficient.
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.
Partition - Partition is the act of splitting an object or value down into smaller parts.
Common misconception
On the magic squares, children will often miss the fact that it is a two step problem involving addition and subtraction. They may think you have to add the two numbers in the row/column or diagonal.
Start with a simpler magic square. The easier ones feature the numbers 1-9 and total 15 diagonally, vertically or horizontally. Once they understand them, introduce 2-digit and 3-digit magic squares.
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Use addition and subtraction to solve problems in different contexts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 maths lesson on: Use addition and subtraction to solve problems in different contexts, 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 2 maths lessons from the Informal and mental strategies for adding and subtracting two 3-digit numbers unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
