Max Maths, Year 3, Try it, Review of subtraction facts and mental subtraction (2)

In the Max Maths Year 3 curriculum, students are encouraged to reinforce their understanding of subtraction through engaging exercises. One such activity involves using a number line to subtract by counting forwards from the smaller number. For instance, to solve 12 minus 8, students would start at 8 on the number line and count forwards until they reach 12, thereby finding the difference between the two numbers. Similarly, for the problem of 17 minus 9, students would begin at 9 and count up to 17 on the number line. This visual and interactive method helps children to grasp the concept of subtraction as a process of finding the distance between two points on a number line.

The exercises also include completing subtraction problems by filling in the blanks within a structured framework. For example, students are presented with problems like 41 minus 10 and 58 minus 20, and are required to find the missing numbers that complete the equation both horizontally and vertically. This not only tests their subtraction facts but also their understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction, as they work out the inverse operations to complete the equations. These activities serve as a comprehensive review of subtraction facts and mental subtraction strategies, helping students to build confidence and proficiency in their mathematical skills.