Explain how adjusting the subtrahend affects the difference: partitioning
I can explain how increasing or decreasing the subtrahend affects the difference in a partitioning structure.
Explain how adjusting the subtrahend affects the difference: partitioning
I can explain how increasing or decreasing the subtrahend affects the difference in a partitioning structure.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The more you subtract the less you are left with.
- The less you subtract the more you are left with.
- A number line can be used to represent the change in the subtrahend.
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.
Common misconception
The proportionality of bar models is something that children sometimes find tricky and causes them concern.
Remind them that accuracy is not completely necessary so long as they have roughly sized the parts (subtrahend and difference in these contexts). Alternatively, give them number rods to arrange as bar models and then draw around.
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how adjusting the subtrahend affects the difference: partitioning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how adjusting the subtrahend affects the difference: partitioning, 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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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Use equivalence and compensation to simplify and solve subtraction problems unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions

Exit quiz
6 Questions




