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Ullesthorpe Church of England Primary School

Find the Difference 1-10

Find the Difference 1-10 Challenge

 

Place the numbers 1 to 10 in the circles so that each number is the difference between the two numbers just below it.

You could try this interactivity.

Notes for Adults

 

This problem is a very challenging way of practising subtraction at the same time as being logical about arranging the numbers. The idea of 'difference' can be hard for children to grasp and this tricky problem is a way of coming to terms with it.

 

Read the question together and discuss what 'difference' between two numbers means. Try one or two examples like the 5 and 6 given in the problem, making sure that you begin with both the larger and the smaller number.

 

For learners who need quick success, or find puzzling out problems difficult, you could start with this simpler problem.

 

Key questions

  • Where could the largest number be? Why?
  • Does thinking about odd and even numbers help you?

 

Possible extension

Some children will be motivated to see if different arrangements can be found. They could also try using the numbers 1 -15 on five rows of circles!

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