There are a number of methods for addition and subtraction, but sometimes they take a lot longer and make your steps more complicated.

When the number you are adding or subtracting is small, it's easier to use a mental method.

The method we will discuss today is called partitioning.

What is partitioning?

Partitioning is where you take a number and split it up into numbers that are easier to work with.

Examples:

Adding 14 is exactly the same as adding 10 then adding 4

Adding 18 is the same as adding 20 then subtracting 2

Subtracting 15 is the same as subtracting 10 then subtracting 5

Subtracting 28 is the same as subtracting 30 then adding 2

In this activity, we will explore how to simplify additions and subtractions so that we can reach an answer more quickly. 

This skill will be helpful in all areas of your maths and particularly in exams.