Column subtraction for Year 5, set out over three pages with an answer page at the end. Section 1 has sixteen five-digit questions. The first eight need no exchanging, and the next eight need one exchange, as in 54,672 minus 21,348. Section 2 moves to six-digit numbers with zeros in the top line, such as 600,492 minus 283,151. In Section 3, pupils check four completed subtractions with column addition and correct the one that is wrong. Every answer is listed on page 4.
Number - addition and subtraction
“Add and subtract whole numbers with more than 4 digits, including using formal written methods (columnar addition and subtraction)”
All 24 questions in Sections 1 and 2 are five- or six-digit column subtractions, and Section 3 checks four more with column addition.
Sixteen five-digit subtractions with a working box under each. Questions 1 to 8 need no exchange, and 9 to 16 need one.
Eight six-digit subtractions, from 450,678 minus 123,492 to 730,048 minus 415,623, with a zero in every top number.
Four finished statements, such as 64,520 minus 28,315 = 36,205. Pupils check each with the inverse and write Correct or the right answer.
All 24 differences, plus the addition check for each Section 3 statement and the corrected answer for the wrong one.
Spot the exchange
Before pupils start Section 1, ask them to circle the questions that will need an exchange. Questions 9 to 16 should all be circled.
Zeros mini-lesson
Model 800,765 minus 462,341 on the board before Section 2. Exchanging across two zeros is where pupils most often slip.
Early finishers
Section 3 works as an extension. Pupils who finish early can write their own wrong subtraction for a partner to find.
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