Max Maths, Year 1, Learn together, Subtraction as ‘how many more to make?’

In a Year 1 maths lesson from Max Maths, students are introduced to subtraction in the context of finding out 'how many more to make?'. This concept is demonstrated through a practical example involving Han and Padma, who together have 12 cookies. The question posed to the students is simple yet effective: If Han has 5 cookies, how many does Padma have? This scenario allows children to visualise the subtraction process, with the equation 12 - 5 = 7 clearly showing that Padma must have 7 cookies. This tangible example helps students grasp the idea of subtraction as a means of finding the difference between two quantities.

Building on this understanding, the 'Let's Try It' section presents another scenario to reinforce the subtraction concept. Students are asked to consider 5 vases, out of which only 3 have flowers. The task is to determine how many more vases need flowers to reach the total of 5 vases. This problem encourages children to perform the subtraction 5 - 3, leading them to find out that 2 more vases require flowers. Through these engaging and relatable examples, Year 1 students begin to understand subtraction as a method for finding out 'how many more' are needed to complete a set.