Addition and Subtraction

Addition and subtraction are two of the four fundamental operations in mathematics. In Key Stage 1, children move from using physical objects to working with mental strategies and, by Year 2, beginning written methods.

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What This Topic Covers

• Year 1: Number bonds within 20; adding and subtracting to 20; one-step problems
• Year 2: Recall facts to 20 and derive facts to 100; add and subtract two-digit numbers; commutativity; inverse relationship

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Year 1: Addition and Subtraction to 20

The + - = Symbols

Children learn to read and write mathematical statements using these three symbols:

• + means add / plus / and
• - means subtract / take away / minus
• = means equals / is the same as / makes

Examples:

• 5 + 3 = 8
• 12 - 4 = 8
• 7 = 16 - 9 (the equals sign does not have to come at the end!)

Number Bonds

Number bonds are pairs of numbers that add together to make a given total. Knowing them off by heart is fundamental.

Number bonds to 10: