Decoding Math: Addition and Subtraction Vocabulary

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:20 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn the secret language of addition and subtraction! This lesson helps you understand the different words and phrases that mean adding or subtracting, so you can solve math problems like a pro.

Video Resource

Math Vocabulary Words for Addition and Subtraction!

Mashup Math

Duration: 3:20
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Addition vocabulary
  • Subtraction vocabulary
  • Inverse operations
  • Translating verbal expressions

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify words and phrases that indicate addition.
  • Students will be able to identify words and phrases that indicate subtraction.
  • Students will be able to translate simple verbal expressions into numerical expressions using addition and subtraction.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by explaining that math has its own special vocabulary. Just like learning a new language, understanding these words will help them solve problems more easily. Introduce the idea of addition and subtraction as inverse operations (doing the opposite).
  • Addition Vocabulary (10 mins)
    Introduce common addition vocabulary: add, plus, sum, combine, all together, more than, and increase by. Show examples of how these words are used in sentences to represent addition (e.g., "5 plus 7" or "the sum of 5 and 7").
  • Subtraction Vocabulary (10 mins)
    Introduce common subtraction vocabulary: minus, subtract, difference, less, take away, fewer than, deduct, and decrease. Show examples of how these words are used in sentences to represent subtraction (e.g., "10 minus 6" or "the difference of 10 and 6").
  • Practice and Examples (10 mins)
    Provide students with several verbal expressions and have them translate them into numerical expressions. For example: "8 more than 3" becomes 3 + 8, or "12 take away 4" becomes 12 - 4. Start with simple examples and gradually increase the complexity.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key vocabulary words for addition and subtraction. Emphasize the importance of understanding these terms for future algebraic translation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Vocabulary Matching Game
    Create a matching game where students pair addition/subtraction vocabulary words with their corresponding symbols (+ or -) or numerical expressions.
  • Word Problem Creation
    Have students create their own word problems using the addition and subtraction vocabulary learned in the lesson. They can then exchange their problems with a partner to solve.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to know different words that mean the same thing in math?
  • Can you think of any other words or phrases that might mean addition or subtraction?
  • How does knowing these words help you solve word problems?

Skills Developed

  • Vocabulary acquisition
  • Translation skills
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which word means the same as 'addition'?

Correct Answer: Sum

Question 2:

Which phrase means you are taking something away?

Correct Answer: Less than

Question 3:

What is the 'inverse' of adding?

Correct Answer: Subtracting

Question 4:

Which word means the same as 'subtraction'?

Correct Answer: Difference

Question 5:

If a problem says 'increase by,' what should you do?

Correct Answer: Add

Question 6:

What does 'combine' usually mean in math?

Correct Answer: Add

Question 7:

Which of these is a subtraction word?

Correct Answer: Deduct

Question 8:

What math operation is 'fewer than' associated with?

Correct Answer: Subtraction

Question 9:

What does 'take away' tell you to do?

Correct Answer: Subtract

Question 10:

Which of the following words would tell you to add numbers together?

Correct Answer: Increase

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The answer to an addition problem is called the ____.

Correct Answer: sum

Question 2:

When you ______ two numbers, you are finding the difference.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 3:

'More than' means you need to ____.

Correct Answer: add

Question 4:

'Take _____ ' means you need to subtract.

Correct Answer: away

Question 5:

The opposite of addition is called ____.

Correct Answer: subtraction

Question 6:

If you ________ a number 'by' an amount, you add them together.

Correct Answer: increase

Question 7:

'______ than' is used to describe an operation where you are taking things away.

Correct Answer: Less

Question 8:

Another word for 'subtract' is ______.

Correct Answer: minus

Question 9:

If you want to find the combined total of two groups, you ______ them.

Correct Answer: add

Question 10:

To '______' means to take an amount away from a total.

Correct Answer: deduct

Educational Standards

4.N.2.4:Apply and analyze models to solve multi-step problems requiring the use of addition, subtraction, and multiplication of multi-digit whole numbers. Use various strategies, including the relationship between operations, the use of appropriate technology, and the context of the problem to assess the reasonableness of results. 4.A.2.2:Solve for a variable in an equation involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division with whole numbers. Analyze models to represent number sentences and vice versa.

Teaching Materials

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