Module 4 Calculating
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Can I record number sentences and explain what the signs and numbers mean?

Example review questions

  • 20 = empty box + 7 What number is missing? How do you know?
  • 10 − empty box = 6 What number is missing? How do you know?
  • empty box = 14 + 10 What number is missing? How do you know?
  • The total of 5 and 6 is 11. How can you write this as a number sentence?
  • Write numbers in these boxes to complete this number sentence:
    9 = empty box + empty box Are there other pairs of numbers you could have used?
  • What numbers could go in the empty boxes?
    17 + empty box + empty box = 27
  • + × − =
    Choose a sign to put in each box to make this correct.
    16 empty box 4 empty box 12

Teaching guidance

This teaching guidance document suggests some of the key vocabulary, models, images and practical equipment that children should experience and be able to use. It also includes some teaching tips to provide a few starting points for ways of supporting children with this area of mathematics.

PDF file Can I record number sentences and explain what the signs and numbers mean? - teaching guidance | 68KB new window

Consolidation and practice

These resources are to support children in guided or independent work.

PDF file ITP Guide | 4317KB new window

SWF file Number scales ITP | 1072KB new window

XLS file Add or subtract missing number or sign spreadsheet | 67KB new window

PDF file Fact families activity | 20KB new window

Opportunities to use and apply

Possible contexts include:

  • Balancing equations, e.g. use the numbers 3, 5 and 8 to complete the following number sentences: empty box = empty box + empty box
    empty box = empty box – empty box
    Use the numbers 3, 4, 6 and 7 to complete the following number sentence:
    empty box + empty box = empty box + empty box
  • Choose three numbers for the rectangular boxes and use + or − in the circles to make this number sentence correct.
    empty box O empty box O empty box = 11
  • Problem solving, e.g. these two dominoes have the same total number of spots. How many spots are hidden?
    What number sentences could you write?
    Two dominoes, the first showing 6 spots, the second showing 9

Confirming learning

Ask probing questions such as:

  • 20 = 15 + empty box
    Sally thinks the answer might be 35. Is she correct? Could the answer be bigger than 20? Why not? What mistake might she have made? What is the answer? How did you work it out?
  • Think of your own numbers to make a number sentence like this:
    empty box = empty box − empty box How did you choose your numbers?
  • 19 = 15 + 4. Marc says this number sentence is wrong because it has been written the wrong way round. Do you agree with him? Why?
  • Use numbers and symbols to write 'seventeen add nine equals twenty-six.' Can you think of another way to write it?
  • How many ways can you think of to say this number sentence? 23 − 5 = 18