Skip to content

Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Year 1 - Maths

Explain the difference between consecutive odd numbers

Addition and subtraction facts within 10

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explain that addition is commutative. They will find pairs of numbers to 10 and add or subtract 1 from any number. Pupils will also develop their knowledge and understanding of odd and even numbers and that even numbers relate to doubling and halving.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the difference between consecutive odd numbers.

Key Notes

  • Consecutive odd numbers have a difference of 2
  • We can use this knowledge to solve missing number problems when 2 is the known part.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Difference: The result of subtracting one number from another.
  • Odd: Any integer (not a fraction) that cannot be divided exactly by 2
  • Consecutive: Numbers which follow each other in order, without gaps, from smallest to largest.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children may resort to counting strategies without noticing that the relationship between the minuend and the subtrahend is that there is a difference of two.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

Consecutive odd numbers have a difference of 2. We can use this knowledge to solve missing number problems when 2 is the known part.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Difference'

The result of subtracting one number from another. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Children may resort to counting strategies without noticing that the relationship between the minuend and the subtrahend is that there is a difference of two. Correction: Draw out the patterns that will allow children to solve these equations without needing to using counting strategies. For example, 5 + 2 and 2 + 5 are 'odd number after'; 7 - 2 is 'odd number before' and 7 - 5 is 'difference of two'.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 Maths guide library.