Addition and Subtraction - Subtract 2 four digit numbers (no exchange) - Presentation

In a lesson centred around subtraction, Year 6 students are tasked with subtracting two four-digit numbers without the need for exchanging. The lesson begins by encouraging the use of place value counters to construct four-digit numbers, laying a practical foundation for understanding the numbers they will be working with. The first activity involves direct subtraction examples, such as subtracting 3,412 from a larger four-digit number, and similarly, subtracting 2,106 from another. This is designed to help students visualise the process of subtraction using a clear, step-by-step approach, with the resulting differences being 1,111 and 3,200 respectively.

Further activities require students to complete subtraction problems, this time with the aid of a place value grid that breaks down the numbers into thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. This visual aid supports the understanding of how each digit's value affects the overall calculation. For example, when students subtract 1,231 from 5,372, the answer is 4,141, and subtracting 2,506 from 3,738 results in 1,232. The lesson progresses with more complex problems and introduces reasoning activities, where students explore various possible solutions to given scenarios. For instance, they might find different pairs of four-digit numbers that meet specific criteria for subtraction. The lesson emphasises the importance of place value and the systematic approach to subtraction, ensuring students grasp the concept of subtracting large numbers confidently.