Mathematics - Term 2 - Week 1

Addition is the process of combining two or more numbers to find a total, while subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another. For example, if you have 3 apples and you get 2 more, you can add them together to find out you have 5 apples. Conversely, if you have 5 apples and give away 2, you subtract to find you have 3 apples left. Visual models, such as number lines or counters, can help illustrate these concepts.

Let's solve the problem: 4 + 3. We can use counters to visualize this. Start with 4 counters. Then, add 3 more counters. Count all the counters together: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. So, 4 + 3 = 7. Now, let's look at a subtraction example: 7 - 2. Start with 7 counters and take away 2. Count the remaining counters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Thus, 7 - 2 = 5.

Now, let's practice together. I will give you a problem: 5 + 2. Use your counters to find the answer. Count out 5 counters, then add 2 more. What do you get? (Pause for responses.) Great! You should have 7 counters. Now, let's try a subtraction problem: 6 - 3. Start with 6 counters and take away 3. How many do you have left? (Pause for responses.) Excellent! You should have 3 counters remaining.

Now it's your turn to solve some problems on your own. Here are three addition problems: 2 + 5, 3 + 4, and 1 + 6. Write down the answers using counters or drawings if you like. Then, try these subtraction problems: 8 - 3, 5 - 2, and 7 - 4. Show your working clearly so we can review them together.

• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

Answer: 7

When you add 3 and 4 together, you get 7.

• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Answer: 5

Subtracting 5 from 10 leaves you with 5.

Answer: 8

Adding 6 and 2 gives you a total of 8.

Answer: 6

When you take 3 away from 9, you are left with 6.

• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12

Answer: 10

Adding 5 and 5 equals 10.

• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Answer: 5

Subtracting 2 from 7 results in 5.

Answer: 8

When you add 4 and 4, you get 8.

Answer: 2

Taking 6 away from 8 leaves you with 2.