Max Maths, Year 4, Try it, Addition and subtraction with 3-digit numbers using number lines (1)

In the 'Max Maths' Year 4 curriculum, students are introduced to addition and subtraction with 3-digit numbers using a helpful visual aid known as an empty number line. This method encourages children to use their understanding of place value and number sense to perform calculations step by step. For instance, when adding 626 and 202, students learn to see 202 as just over 200. They can then add 200 to 626 on the number line, followed by the additional 2, leading them to the correct total. This technique breaks down the process into manageable chunks, making it easier for young learners to grasp.

Similarly, when dealing with subtraction, the number line becomes a tool for visualising the steps involved. If a student needs to subtract 29 from 644, they can first recognise that 29 is just under 30. They subtract 30 on the number line and then adjust by adding 1 back, arriving at the accurate result. The method is also applied when larger numbers are involved, such as subtracting 299 from 882. By considering 299 as just shy of 300, students subtract 300 and then compensate by adding 1. This approach not only simplifies calculations but also strengthens mental arithmetic skills, as children learn to adjust numbers to make calculations easier before arriving at the final answer.