Lucy
Ask the AI Tutor
Need help with Addition and Subtraction (Year 6)? Ask our AI Tutor!
Lucy AI Tutor - Lucy
Connecting with Tutor...
Please wait while we establish connection
Lucy
Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Addition and Subtraction (Year 6) today?
now
Addition and Subtraction (Year 6)
2.78 + 0.22 = 3

Addition and Subtraction (Year 6)

In Year 6, pupils tackle challenging addition and subtraction. They work with large numbers, decimals, and multi-step problems while checking answers carefully using inverse operations.

Explore the Topic →
(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

If you add three odd numbers together, the answer will always be odd, but if you add four odd numbers together, the answer will be even.

In KS2 Maths, Year 6 pupils use efficient strategies for addition and subtraction, including estimation, rounding, and inverse operations. These skills prepare them for secondary-level problem solving.

  • Inverse Operation: An opposite process used to check answers, such as using addition to check subtraction.
  • Estimation: Rounding numbers to quickly check that an answer is sensible.
  • Multi-step Problem: A calculation that requires more than one operation to solve.
How do I check subtraction in Year 6 Maths?

You can use addition to check subtraction. If the difference added to the smaller number equals the larger number, the subtraction is correct.

What strategies help with large number calculations?

Breaking numbers into parts, using column methods, and estimating with rounding all help make large number calculations more accurate and manageable.

Why are inverse operations important in Year 6?

Inverse operations are important because they let pupils check answers independently and confirm accuracy before moving on to new problems.

1 .
What is the best method of adding 0.9?
Add 1 subtract 1
Add 1 add 0.1
Subtract 1 subtract 0.1
Add 1 subtract 0.1
e.g. 1.3 + 0.9:
1.3 + 1 = 2.3
2.3 - 0.1 = 2.2
so 1.3 + 0.9 = 2.2
2 .
Which strategy would be best to subtract 2.9?
Add 3 subtract 1
Subtract 3 add 0.1
Subtract 3 subtract 0.1
Subtract 3 add 1
e.g. 3.4 - 2.9:
3.4 - 3 = 0.4
0.4 + 0.1 = 0.5
so 3.4 - 2.9 = 0.5
3 .
Which of these number sentences is incorrect?
2.56 + 3.41 = 5.97
5.97 - 3.41 = 2.56
5.97 - 2.56 = 3.41
3.41 - 2.56 = 5.97
3.41 - 2.56 = 0.85
4 .
What is the difference between 6.3 and 2.4?
2.9
3.9
4
4.1
Difference means take the smaller number away from the larger
5 .
Which strategy would be best to add 69 + 61 + 65 + 67?
(60 x 4) + (1 + 5 + 7 + 9)
(70 x 4) - (1 + 5 + 7 + 9)
(61 + 65) + (67 + 69)
(60 x 4) - (1 + 5 + 7 + 9)
60 x 4 = 240 and 1 + 5 + 7 + 9 = 22
240 + 22 = 262
6 .
How many altogether are 258 and 162?
320
400
420
450
One way to work this out is to add the ones: 2 + 8 = 10
then the tens: 50 + 60 = 110
then the hundreds: 200 + 100 = 300
then add them all together: 300 + 110 + 10 = 420
7 .
What is the best method of adding 34 + 48 + 56?
Find the pair that total a multiple of 100 - add these first
Find the pair that total a multiple of 10 - add these first
Add 10s first then the ones
Double 34 then adjust
34 + 56 = 90 which is a multiple of 10 now add 48 so 90 + 48 = 138
8 .
Which of these pairs would not make a whole number?
2.78 + 0.22
3.54 + 2.46
5.01 + 1.9
4.97 + 2.03
5.1 + 1.9 = 7 but 5.01 + 1.9 = 6.91 which is not a whole number
9 .
Decrease 2.5 by 1.8.
0.6
0.7
1.7
4.3
Decrease means get smaller so we subtract the numbers
10 .
Increase 450 by 230.
220
280
580
680
Increase means get larger so we add the numbers
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Adding and subtracting

Author:  Amanda Swift (Primary School Teacher & Educational Content Developer)

© Copyright 2016-2025 - Education Quizzes
Work Innovate Ltd - Design | Development | Marketing