Year 3 - Maths
Develop understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction
Understand additive relationships and apply them to rearrange equations
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will accurately and efficiently solve multi-step addition and subtraction problems. They will understand and explain how both addition and subtraction equations can be used to describe the same additive relationship.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to understand the relationship between addition and subtraction.
Key Notes
- Equations can be represented using part-part-whole or bar models
- The sum in an addition and the minuend in a subtraction both represent the whole
- The addends in an addition and the subtrahend and difference in a subtraction both represent parts
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may find it more difficult to understand equations that start with the whole (e.g. 20 = 50 - 30)
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Equations can be represented using part-part-whole or bar models. The sum in an addition and the minuend in a subtraction both represent the whole.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'minuend'
The minuend is the number being subtracted from. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may find it more difficult to understand equations that start with the whole (e.g. 20 = 50 - 30). Correction: Emphasise the need for balance in equations. To be equal, both sides must have the same value.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Identify knowns and unknowns in addition equations Study Guide
- Identify knowns and unknowns in subtraction equations Study Guide
- Solve multi-step addition and subtraction problems efficiently Study Guide
- Solve one and two-step problems in different contexts Study Guide
- Solve problems using bar charts, pictograms and tables Study Guide
- Understand why the order of addition and subtraction steps can be chosen Study Guide
- Use the additive relationship to rearrange addition equations Study Guide
- Use the additive relationship to rearrange and solve equations Study Guide
- Use the additive relationship to rearrange subtraction equations Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Maths guide library.