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Checking Subtraction with Addition

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Checking Subtraction with Addition

Checking Subtraction with Addition

Mathematical symbols and numbers illustration

🧮 Part 1: Vertical Subtraction Practice

1. Solve these subtraction problems using the vertical algorithm. Show your working clearly.

a) 352 - 128 = _______

b) 470 - 256 = _______

c) 634 - 189 = _______

✅ Part 2: Checking with Addition (Inverse Operations)

2. Now check your answers from Part 1 by using addition. Remember: if your subtraction is correct, then (answer + smaller number) should equal the larger number.

Check for 352 - 128:

_______ + 128 = 352

Check for 470 - 256:

_______ + 256 = 470

Check for 634 - 189:

_______ + 189 = 634

🤔 Part 3: Understanding Inverse Operations

3. Circle the correct answer: Why can we use addition to check subtraction?

Because addition and subtraction are inverse operations

Because addition is easier than subtraction

Because we always need to add numbers

Because subtraction doesn't work properly

4. Complete this sentence about checking subtraction:

When I check 245 - 137 = 108, I add _______ + _______ and I should get _______.

5. What should you do if your addition check doesn't equal the original larger number?

🎯 Part 4: Problem Solving and Checking

6. Solve these problems and check each answer using addition:

a) 583 - 297 = _______

Check: _______ + 297 = 583

b) 721 - 456 = _______

Check: _______ + 456 = 721

7. Sarah solved 642 - 278 and got 364. When she checked by adding 364 + 278, she got 642. Tick all the statements that are true:

Sarah's subtraction answer is correct

Sarah used inverse operations properly

Sarah needs to redo her subtraction

The checking method worked correctly

💭 Part 5: Reflection

8. Explain in your own words why addition and subtraction are called "inverse operations":
9. How does checking your subtraction with addition help you as a mathematician?
10. Draw a diagram or picture to show how 456 - 189 = 267 can be checked with addition:

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