Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including column subtraction

I can make efficient use of subtraction strategies, including column subtraction.

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Year 4

Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including column subtraction

I can make efficient use of subtraction strategies, including column subtraction.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Look carefully at the numbers in a calculation.
Column subtraction might be the most efficient method to use if regrouping is needed.
Use a mental strategy where it would be more efficient.

Keywords

Efficient - Being efficient means finding a way to solve a problem quickly whilst also maintaining accuracy.
Mental strategy - A mental strategy is a method chosen to find something out which can be done in your head or with some jottings.
Regroup - The process of unitising and exchanging between place values is known as regrouping.

Common misconception

When using adjustment (e.g. 456 − 199), pupils may forget whether they have to subtract or add 1 after they have subtracted 200

Ask pupils if they subtract 200 then subtract 1 more, how much have they subtracted altogether? They should see that they have subtracted 201, not 199 A number line representation will support pupil's understanding with this.

Pupils will benefit from opportunities to discuss the strategies that they would use to answer questions. Task A would work well if pupils have a partner to work with.