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Ullesthorpe Church of England Primary School

Find the Difference 1-6

Find the Difference 1-6 Challenge

 

Place the numbers 1 to 6 in the circles so that each number is the difference between the two numbers just below it.

You could use this interactivity to try out your ideas:

interactive board

 

Can you find more than one solution?

 

Can you find all the possible solutions? How do you know you have found them all?

Notes for Adults

 

This problem is a 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 problem is an ideal way of coming to terms with it. You could also use this problem to focus on how children record their workings.

 

You could start by putting the numbers in any places in the pyramid and asking children to describe what they see. They may notice some accidental number patterns, but also which numbers are used. Then put two numbers into the pyramid, for example 4 and 5 in the bottom row, next to each other. Introduce the idea of the problem and invite pupils to suggest what number should go above the 4 and 5.

 

You could repeat this a few times with different pairs of numbers so that children are happy with 'difference' and with the way the pyramid will be structured. You may need to emphasise that the smaller number will be taken away from the larger number each time.

 

Key questions

  • Where could the largest number go? Why?
  • What do we need to do to find the difference between two numbers?
  • How will you keep track of what you have tried?

 

Answers from other children

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