Pairs of equivalent number sentences

Special properties of +, –, × and ÷

• 358 – 358 = 0 • 2 264 – 0 = 2 264 • 237 – 4 + 4 = 237 • 927 + 366 – 366 = 927 • 8 216 ÷ 8 216 = 1 • 635 × 1 = 635 • 2 147 ÷ 2 147 = 1 • 125 ÷ 25 × 25 = 125 • 65 × 4 ÷ 4 = 65

Write down 5 of your own examples.

Learners must give their own examples. Let them go through the thought process on their own. Try not to help them but guide them if they really need help and let them think of more examples on their own.

Now that you have given your own examples, have another look at the number sentences above. What do you notice? Complete the sentences:

1. When you subtract a number from itself, the answer is 0.

2. When you add a number and then subtract that same number, you get the number you started with.

3. Division is when you divide a number into equal parts or groups.

4. When you divide a number by itself, the answer is 1.

5. When you multiply or divide a number by 1, the answer is the same/unchanged.

6. When you multiply or divide a number by the same number, you get the number you started with.

The word ‘equivalent’ means something is equal to something else or has the same value as something else.

Equivalent means equal to

Next, you will ensure that two number sentences are equivalent and not merely a number sentence with an equivalent answer. Look at the examples below.