Teaching article
One part-whole model connects addition and subtraction
Use one collection to show related relationships rather than unrelated number facts.
Build one total from two identifiable parts and keep the arrangement in place. Change the question rather than the materials, so children can see why related addition and subtraction equations describe the same quantities.
Use one set of quantities to build related equations. Explain the relationships instead of asking for four disconnected number sentences.
Name the whole and both parts. Join the parts with addition. Hide one part and describe subtraction.
Ask a different question of the same model
Three plus four equals seven, and seven minus three equals four, using the same collection.
Keep the whole fixed across the related statements.
Which statement finds the hidden part? Use a covered paper space instead of mental imagery.
Resources
- Maths Puzzle Generator — Choose arithmetic or missing-number questions only when they match the number relationship being explored.
Further reading
Read next
- The equals sign connects equal amounts on both sides
- Division by grouping: how many groups can we make?
- Put a fraction on a line with zero and one
Explore Number, operations and fractions. Browse all teaching articles.