2.2 Mental addition and subtraction strategies

Using number bonds can help with mental addition calculations because numbers can be split up to make the tens or hundreds number and then the extra can be added on.

Once a learner can calculate what to add to 38 to make 100 they can answer the question 100 – 38 and move on to calculations such as 402 – 238 by bridging through 300.

This mental arithmetic can be illustrated using an empty number line. The actions on the number line can act as a way to record the stages in a mental calculation. This is shown in the following video.

We can use this method to answer questions such as £4.02 – £2.38 or 4.03 m – 2.38 m, taking us into the realm of using measures. This method also helps with time calculations where learners need to remember that time is not a decimal system. For example, a train journey which starts at 2.38 pm and goes on until 4.02 pm takes 22 minutes + 1 hour + 2 minutes which comes to 1 hour 24 minutes (bridging through 3 pm and 4 pm).