Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 11 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: General Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Number and Numeration
Previous Lesson: Percentages, Percentage of a Number, Increase, Decrease and Reasoning.
Topic: ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION
Subject Matter: Addition of whole numbers, subtraction of whole numbers, addition of fractions and decimals, subtraction of fractions, quantitative reasoning on addition and subtraction
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Solve problems involving addition of whole numbers.
- Solve problems involving subtraction of whole numbers.
- Add fractions and decimals.
- Subtract fractions.
- Solve quantitative reasoning problems on addition and subtraction.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of accuracy in mathematical calculations.
- Develop confidence in solving mathematical problems related to addition and subtraction.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Accurately write down steps and solutions to addition and subtraction problems.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills using various numerical data.
Social Domain:
- Work cooperatively in groups to solve addition and subtraction problems.
- Share solutions and strategies with peers.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Primary 6 Mathematics
- New General Mathematics for Primary Schools, Book 6
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Textbook
- Charts showing examples of addition and subtraction
- Posters displaying steps for adding/subtracting fractions and decimals
- Workbook
- Real-life data involving numbers
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand how to combine and take away numbers, which is a basic skill needed in everyday life. It enables them to solve practical problems like calculating expenses, managing quantities, or understanding numerical patterns.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have prior knowledge of basic addition and subtraction of single-digit numbers, identification of whole numbers, basic understanding of fractions and decimals.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION OF NUMBERS
Addition of Whole Numbers
Addition is the process of combining two or more numbers to find their total sum. When adding whole numbers, arrange them in columns according to their place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) and add from right to left, carrying over when a sum exceeds 9.
Examples:
- Add 345 and 123.
345
+ 123
—–
468
(Step 1: Add the ones column: 5 + 3 = 8)
(Step 2: Add the tens column: 4 + 2 = 6)
(Step 3: Add the hundreds column: 3 + 1 = 4)
- Add 578 and 249.
578
+ 249
—–
827
(Step 1: Add the ones column: 8 + 9 = 17. Write 7, carry over 1 to the tens column.)
(Step 2: Add the tens column: 7 + 4 + 1 (carried over) = 12. Write 2, carry over 1 to the hundreds column.)
(Step 3: Add the hundreds column: 5 + 2 + 1 (carried over) = 8.)
How to solve for a missing addend:
If you have an equation like A + B = C, and you need to find A or B, you can use subtraction. For example, if X + 15 = 40, then X = 40 – 15 = 25.
Subtraction of Whole Numbers
Subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another to find the difference. When subtracting whole numbers, arrange them in columns and subtract from right to left, borrowing from the next place value if a digit is smaller than the one being subtracted.
Examples:
- Subtract 123 from 345.
345
– 123
—–
222
(Step 1: Subtract the ones column: 5 – 3 = 2)
(Step 2: Subtract the tens column: 4 – 2 = 2)
(Step 3: Subtract the hundreds column: 3 – 1 = 2)
- Subtract 249 from 527.
527
– 249
—–
278
(Step 1: Subtract the ones column: 7 cannot subtract 9. Borrow 1 from the tens (2 becomes 1), so 7 becomes 17. 17 – 9 = 8.)
(Step 2: Subtract the tens column: 1 (after borrowing) cannot subtract 4. Borrow 1 from the hundreds (5 becomes 4), so 1 becomes 11. 11 – 4 = 7.)
(Step 3: Subtract the hundreds column: 4 (after borrowing) – 2 = 2.)
How to solve for a missing minuend or subtrahend:
- If A – B = C and you need to find A (the minuend), then A = B + C. For example, if X – 10 = 25, then X = 25 + 10 = 35.
- If A – B = C and you need to find B (the subtrahend), then B = A – C. For example, if 50 – X = 20, then X = 50 – 20 = 30.
Addition of Fractions and Decimals
Addition of Fractions:
To add fractions, they must have a common denominator. If denominators are different, find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators to make them common.
Examples:
- Add 1/5 + 2/5.
1/5 + 2/5 = (1+2)/5 = 3/5
(Step 1: Denominators are the same, so add the numerators.)
- Add 1/3 + 1/4.
LCM of 3 and 4 is 12.
1/3 = 4/12
1/4 = 3/12
4/12 + 3/12 = (4+3)/12 = 7/12
(Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators.)
(Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCM as the new denominator.)
(Step 3: Add the numerators, keeping the common denominator.)
NOTE: To add fractions with unlike denominators, find the LCM of the denominators, convert the fractions, then add the numerators.
Addition of Decimals:
To add decimals, align the decimal points vertically, then add as with whole numbers. Add zeros to the end of shorter decimals if needed to make them the same length after the decimal point.
Examples:
- Add 2.5 + 1.3.
2.5
+ 1.3
—–
3.8
(Step 1: Align the decimal points.)
(Step 2: Add the digits in each column from right to left.)
- Add 4.75 + 3.2.
4.75
+ 3.20
—–
7.95
(Step 1: Align the decimal points. Add a zero to 3.2 to make it 3.20.)
(Step 2: Add the digits in each column from right to left.)
NOTE: Always align the decimal points vertically before adding.
Subtraction of Fractions
Similar to addition, fractions must have a common denominator before they can be subtracted. If denominators are different, find their LCM.
Examples:
- Subtract 2/5 from 4/5.
4/5 – 2/5 = (4-2)/5 = 2/5
(Step 1: Denominators are the same, so subtract the numerators.)
- Subtract 1/4 from 2/3.
LCM of 3 and 4 is 12.
2/3 = 8/12
1/4 = 3/12
8/12 – 3/12 = (8-3)/12 = 5/12
(Step 1: Find the LCM of the denominators.)
(Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCM as the new denominator.)
(Step 3: Subtract the numerators, keeping the common denominator.)
NOTE: Similar to addition of fractions, find the LCM for unlike denominators, convert, then subtract the numerators.
Quantitative Reasoning on Addition and Subtraction
Quantitative reasoning involves using numerical information to solve problems or identify patterns. These problems often require applying addition and subtraction skills in a logical way.
Examples:
- Complete the pattern: 2, 5, 8, ?, 14.
(Solution: The pattern adds 3 to the previous number. So, 8 + 3 = 11. The missing number is 11.)
- If 10 + 5 = 15, then 12 + 5 = ?
(Solution: The pattern adds 5 to the first number. So, 12 + 5 = 17. The answer is 17.)
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Guided Practice
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall basic addition and subtraction concepts learned in previous classes. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Addition and Subtraction of Numbers” and states the learning objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the topic and objectives.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are prepared for the new lesson.
Step 2: Addition of Whole Numbers
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the process of adding whole numbers, emphasizing column arrangement and carrying over. The teacher solves examples on the board, showing clear steps as outlined in the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the examples on the board, and ask questions for clarification. They copy the examples into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to add whole numbers accurately, including carrying over.
Step 3: Subtraction of Whole Numbers
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the process of subtracting whole numbers, emphasizing column arrangement and borrowing. The teacher solves examples on the board, showing clear steps as outlined in the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the examples on the board, and ask questions. They copy the examples into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to subtract whole numbers accurately, including borrowing.
Step 4: Addition of Fractions and Decimals
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how to add fractions (with like and unlike denominators, using LCM) and decimals (aligning decimal points). The teacher demonstrates examples for both on the board as outlined in the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention, observe the examples, and solve similar problems presented by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct methods for adding fractions and decimals.
Step 5: Subtraction of Fractions
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the process of subtracting fractions (with like and unlike denominators, using LCM). The teacher demonstrates examples on the board as outlined in the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the examples, and participate in solving problems. They copy the examples.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct methods for subtracting fractions.
Step 6: Quantitative Reasoning on Addition and Subtraction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Problem Solving/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces quantitative reasoning and guides pupils through solving simple patterns and problems that require logical application of addition and subtraction. The teacher uses examples from the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to solve the quantitative reasoning problems and discuss their approaches with the teacher and peers.
Learning Point: Pupils develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills using addition and subtraction.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Add 456 + 237.
- Subtract 185 from 300.
- What is 1/2 + 1/3?
- Calculate 0.75 + 1.2.
- Find the difference between 3/4 and 1/2.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of accurate calculation in addition and subtraction. The teacher assigns homework from the textbook.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assigned homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and apply the learned concepts independently.
Home Task: Solve three new exercises on ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION. Show each step and check each answer.
Lesson Keywords
- Addition – The process of combining numbers to get a sum.
- Subtraction – The process of taking one number from another to find the difference.
- Whole Numbers – Numbers without fractions or decimals (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3…).
- Fractions – Numbers representing parts of a whole (e.g., 1/2, 3/4).
- Decimals – Numbers that use a decimal point to show values smaller than one (e.g., 0.5, 1.25).
- Sum – The result of adding numbers.
- Difference – The result of subtracting numbers.
- LCM – Least Common Multiple, used to find a common denominator for fractions.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will provide more complex word problems involving multiple steps of addition and subtraction. For pupils who require more support, the teacher will provide additional guided practice with simpler problems and offer peer tutoring opportunities.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure that pupils have a strong foundation in place value before introducing multi-digit addition and subtraction. Emphasize the importance of aligning numbers correctly for both whole numbers and decimals. For fractions, spend adequate time on finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) as it is fundamental for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Encourage pupils to show all their working steps.

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