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Subtraction Reversibility Strategy

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Subtraction Reversibility Strategy

Subtraction Reversibility Strategy

Addition and subtraction symbols showing inverse relationship

🔢 Part 1: Number Bonds Warm-up

1. Complete these number bonds to 10:

7 + _____ = 10

3 + _____ = 10

_____ + 6 = 10

_____ + 9 = 10

2. Complete these number bonds to 20:

15 + _____ = 20

12 + _____ = 20

_____ + 17 = 20

_____ + 14 = 20

🔄 Part 2: Understanding Reversibility

3. For each subtraction problem, write the addition equation that helps you solve it:

Example: 92 - 57 = ? → Think: 57 + _____ = 92

84 - 29 = ? → Think: _____ + _____ = _____

70 - 38 = ? → Think: _____ + _____ = _____

65 - 47 = ? → Think: _____ + _____ = _____

4. Circle the correct statement about subtraction and addition:

Subtraction and addition are completely different operations

Subtraction is the inverse (opposite) of addition

You can only solve subtraction by taking away

Addition is harder than subtraction

🧮 Part 3: Solving with Reversibility Strategy

5. Use the reversibility strategy to solve these subtraction problems. Show your thinking by writing the addition equation first:

a) 92 - 57 = ?

Addition equation: _____ + _____ = _____

Answer: _____

b) 78 - 33 = ?

Addition equation: _____ + _____ = _____

Answer: _____

c) 61 - 49 = ?

Addition equation: _____ + _____ = _____

Answer: _____

d) 85 - 67 = ?

Addition equation: _____ + _____ = _____

Answer: _____

✅ Part 4: Check Your Answers

6. Use addition to check if these subtraction answers are correct. Tick the box if correct, cross if incorrect:

74 - 38 = 36 → Check: 38 + 36 = ?

93 - 45 = 48 → Check: 45 + 48 = ?

82 - 29 = 54 → Check: 29 + 54 = ?

67 - 39 = 28 → Check: 39 + 28 = ?

7. Match each subtraction problem with its addition thinking strategy:
1. 95 - 48 = ?
2. 73 - 26 = ?
3. 81 - 54 = ?
4. 64 - 37 = ?
A. 26 + ? = 73
B. 54 + ? = 81
C. 37 + ? = 64
D. 48 + ? = 95

💭 Part 5: Reflection

8. In your own words, explain how the reversibility strategy helps you solve subtraction problems:
9. Which mathematical vocabulary words did you use today? Check all that apply:

Subtraction

Addition

Inverse

Number bond

Reversibility

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