Let’s Subtract Big Numbers

This five-lesson Maths scheme will help your class understand a new method for subtracting two-digit numbers from two- or three-digit numbers. They will use partitioning to understand the place value of their calculations and use their new subtraction method in the context of money.

This complete scheme of work comes with all the plans, slides and printable resources you will need to teach your class a new way to subtract big numbers.

Partitioning Big Numbers

Help your class begin to partition bigger numbers by playing active and challenging games to apply their learning to different contexts. Your class will love learning through fun games which challenge them to partition up to three-digit numbers.

Subtracting Multiples of Ten

Challenge your class to use place value to help them subtract multiples of ten from two- and three-digit numbers. They are challenged to describe what happens when a multiple of ten is subtracted: which digits change and how.

Subtracting Two-Digit Numbers

Begin using the partitioning method for subtraction with your class through the use of place value counters to represent the numbers in a more concrete way. Have your class use these examples to take away tens and ones from a number in calculations which won’t bridge ten.

Exchanging

Progress your class’s understanding of using partitioning to solve subtraction problems by exploring when it is necessary to exchange a ten for ten ones. Challenge your class to decide when they need to exchange based on their partitioning and solve trickier subtractions.

Subtracting Money

Allow your class to apply their understanding of partitioning as a subtraction method to using money. Children will have the opportunity to revisit their understanding of totalling sets of coins to use in their partitioning calculations.