Mathematics·Addition & Subtraction·procedural
Mental addition and subtraction (age 9+)
Add and subtract numbers mentally with increasingly large numbers, using place-value knowledge and derived facts
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is mastering mental arithmetic with large numbers and using formal written methods for complex calculations, while learning to choose the most efficient method for different types of problems.
Evidence of understanding
- Mentally calculate 45,000 + 8,000
- Mentally subtract 3,200 from 10,000 by counting up
- Use near-doubles: 2,500 + 2,600 = 5,100
Assessment prompt
Can Mental addition and subtraction (age 9+) work out something like '4,700 − 1,300' in their head using what they know about place value — without needing to write it all out?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.