Addition and Subtraction - Estimate and Approximate - Starter

In a set of exercises aimed at Year 5 students, the focus is on estimating, approximating, and accurately calculating through subtraction. The tasks begin with a 'Fluent in Four' revision activity where students are presented with subtraction problems to solve. For instance, one problem requires finding the missing number that, when subtracted from 7,302, results in 6,455. As part of the exercises, pupils are also asked to fill in the missing parts of bar models and use column subtraction to determine differences in amounts, such as calculating the salary difference between two individuals, Rosie and Malachi. The exercises include real-life scenarios, such as determining how much more Malachi earns than Rosie, with the answer being £296,840.

Another practical application of subtraction is presented in a scenario where students calculate the remaining number of balloons in a party shop after sales across the weekend. Starting with 2,241 balloons, and subtracting the numbers sold on Saturday (199) and Sunday (403), students find the leftover amount to be 1,639 balloons. The exercises also challenge students with a sequence of numbers where they must identify the missing values, enhancing their understanding of numerical patterns. Questions like "one thousand and forty subtract nine hundred and 3 ones" are included to reinforce the concept of subtraction, with the answer provided as 137. These activities are designed to bolster arithmetic skills with a practical and engaging approach.