Quantitative Aptitude and Problem Solving with Addition and Subtraction for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: General Mathematics
Curriculum Theme: Number and Numeration
Focal competence: Solving quantitative aptitude tasks involving addition and subtraction
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Solving quantitative reasoning problems on addition and subtraction of whole numbers

Previous Lesson: Halves, Quarters, Numerators and Denominators in Fractions
Topic: Whole Numbers: Quantitative Aptitude On Addition And Subtraction
Subject Matter: Quantitative aptitude and problem solving with addition and subtraction

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the correct operation (addition or subtraction) needed to solve simple word problems.
• Complete missing-number sums involving addition and subtraction.
• Solve short quantitative aptitude questions using addition and subtraction.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate how to check answers to addition and subtraction problems using counters or inverse operations.
• Practically solve quantitative aptitude tasks on addition and subtraction of whole numbers.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• New General Mathematics for Primary Schools 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Online resources relating to quantitative aptitudes on whole numbers
• Videos on technics of solving quantitative aptitude tasks on addition and subtraction of whole numbers
• Counters, sticks or bottle tops
• Number cards and number line
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it helps pupils develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using basic arithmetic. Understanding quantitative aptitude prepares them for real-life situations where they need to apply addition and subtraction to solve everyday problems. It also builds a strong foundation for more complex mathematical concepts in the future.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should already be able to perform simple addition and subtraction of whole numbers up to 10 or 20, and count objects accurately.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Whole Numbers: Quantitative Aptitude On Addition And Subtraction

Understanding Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative aptitude means solving number puzzles and word problems using addition and subtraction. It helps us think about numbers and choose the right way to solve a problem.

Solving Mixed Addition and Subtraction Puzzles

Sometimes we need to find a missing number in a sum. We use what we know about addition and subtraction to find it.

1. Missing Addend: ( 3 + text{?} = 7 )
2. Missing Subtrahend: ( 8 – text{?} = 5 )
3. Missing Minuend: ( text{?} – 4 = 6 )

To solve these, we can think:

1. For ( 3 + text{?} = 7 ), we can count on from 3 to 7 (4 fingers), or do ( 7 – 3 = 4 ). So, ( text{?} = 4 ).
2. For ( 8 – text{?} = 5 ), we can count back from 8 to 5 (3 fingers), or do ( 8 – 5 = 3 ). So, ( text{?} = 3 ).
3. For ( text{?} – 4 = 6 ), we can think what number minus 4 gives 6, or do ( 6 + 4 = 10 ). So, ( text{?} = 10 ).

Choosing the Correct Operation

When solving word problems, we need to decide if we should add or subtract.

1. Addition words: “altogether,” “total,” “sum,” “in all,” “more than,” “add.”
2. Subtraction words: “take away,” “left,” “remain,” “difference,” “how many more,” “minus.”

Example 1

Question: Mary has 6 pencils. Her friend gives her 3 more pencils. How many pencils does Mary have altogether?

Solution:

Step 1: Read the problem and look for keywords. The keyword “altogether” tells us to add.

Step 2: Write the number sentence.

( 6 + 3 = text{?} )

Step 3: Solve the problem.

( 6 + 3 = 9 )

Answer: Mary has 9 pencils altogether.

Example 2

Question: There are 10 birds on a tree. 4 birds fly away. How many birds are left on the tree?

Solution:

Step 1: Read the problem and look for keywords. The keyword “left” tells us to subtract.

Step 2: Write the number sentence.

( 10 – 4 = text{?} )

Step 3: Solve the problem.

( 10 – 4 = 6 )

Answer: There are 6 birds left on the tree.

Checking Answers

We can check our answers to make sure they are correct.

1. Using counters: Count out the numbers and perform the operation physically.
2. Using inverse operations:
   • If you added, subtract to check. Example: ( 5 + 3 = 8 ). To check, do ( 8 – 3 = 5 ) or ( 8 – 5 = 3 ).
   • If you subtracted, add to check. Example: ( 7 – 2 = 5 ). To check, do ( 5 + 2 = 7 ).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Problem Solving, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall simple addition and subtraction sums they have learned. The teacher then introduces the idea of solving number puzzles and word problems using these operations.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their knowledge of addition and subtraction.

Learning Point: Recalling basic operations

Step 2: Introduction to Quantitative Aptitude Video

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Visual learning/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to watch a short video explaining simple techniques for solving quantitative aptitude tasks involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers. The teacher pauses the video to explain key points and answer questions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video attentively, ask questions, and try to understand the techniques shown.

Learning Point: Understanding problem-solving techniques

Step 3: Solving Mixed Number Puzzles

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes simple mixed addition and subtraction number puzzles on the board, such as “5 + ? = 9” or “7 – ? = 3”. The teacher guides pupils to use counters or number lines to find the missing numbers.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work individually or in pairs to solve the puzzles using counters or number lines, sharing their answers with the class.

Learning Point: Completing missing number sums

Step 4: Identifying Operations in Word Problems

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents simple word problems and guides pupils to identify keywords that tell them whether to add or subtract. For example, “total” means add, “left” means subtract. The teacher writes these keywords on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify keywords in example problems, and state whether to add or subtract.

Learning Point: Choosing correct operation

Step 5: Group Work on Quantitative Tasks

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Collaborative learning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into small groups and gives each group simple quantitative aptitude tasks (short word problems) involving addition and subtraction. The teacher moves around to provide support and clarification.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in their groups to solve the assigned tasks, discussing and helping each other.

Learning Point: Solving word problems collaboratively

Step 6: Checking Answers

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to check answers using counters or inverse operations. For example, if 5 + 2 = 7, then 7 – 2 = 5. The teacher asks pupils to check some of their group work answers.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and practice checking their answers for accuracy.

Learning Point: Verifying calculation accuracy

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. If you have 4 sweets and your friend gives you 3 more, how many do you have altogether?
2. Complete the sum: 10 – ? = 6.
3. What word tells you to add in a story problem?
4. How can you check if 8 – 5 = 3 is correct?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessing problem-solving skills

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes on quantitative aptitude, choosing operations, and checking answers into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson key points

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reminding pupils that quantitative aptitude helps them solve real-life number problems using addition and subtraction. The teacher encourages them to practice regularly.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in a brief recap of the lesson.

Learning Point: Consolidating problem-solving concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Solve the following problems in your notebook:

1. There are 7 birds on a branch. 2 birds fly away. How many birds are left?
2. John has 5 red balls and 4 blue balls. How many balls does he have in all?
3. Complete the sum: 6 + ? = 10.
4. Complete the sum: ? – 3 = 5.
5. Write one word that tells you to add and one word that tells you to subtract.

Lesson Keywords

• Quantitative aptitude – Solving number puzzles and word problems.
• Addition – Putting numbers together to find a total.
• Subtraction – Taking one number away from another to find what is left.
• Problem solving – Finding answers to questions or challenges.
• Keywords – Words that help us know if we should add or subtract.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide more one-on-one guidance with counters and number lines, focusing on simpler problems. For faster learners, introduce slightly more complex word problems or encourage them to create their own quantitative aptitude questions for their peers.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: “Primary 1 quantitative aptitude addition subtraction word problems”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure all instructional materials, especially counters, number cards, and a pre-selected short video on quantitative aptitude, are ready. Begin by engaging pupils with simple recall of addition and subtraction. Use the video to introduce problem-solving techniques visually, pausing as needed for explanations. Guide pupils through solving mixed number puzzles and identifying keywords in word problems, providing ample practice with counters. Encourage group work to foster collaboration and allow pupils to apply their understanding. Emphasise checking answers using inverse operations or physical counting. During Step 8, ensure pupils copy the Board Summary accurately. Conclude by reinforcing the practical importance of quantitative aptitude in everyday life.