Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including column subtraction
I can make efficient use of subtraction strategies, including column subtraction.
Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including column subtraction
I can make efficient use of subtraction strategies, including column subtraction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including column subtraction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Decide on the most efficient subtraction strategy, including 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.
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 Review of column addition and subtraction unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions






Exit quiz
6 Questions

