Using number lines

in Addition and
Subtraction
By Amani El-Alawneh

Adding numbers using

the number line.
25

47

So how do we do this using

the number line?

We use the strategy called:

Counting Up
You need to think about:
What number shall I start with on my
number line?

What number do we want to count up by?

Are there any number bonds that can help
me?

25 + 47 =
Use the counting up method!!
+20
+3

47

67

+2

70 72

So we start at the biggest number47

And count up 25 places
What number do we end on???
So.
25 + 47 =

72

+ 34 = 57

Use the Counting

Strategy

Up

Remember -You need to think about:

What number shall I start with on my
number line?
What number do we want to count up by?
Are there any number bonds that can help
me?

+ 34 = 57
+10

+10

34

+3

44

54
34

So what is

10 + 10 + 3 = 23
So..
23

34 = 57

57

57

Can I use the counting up

strategy for Subtraction too?
YES

Have a look at this question!

43 27 =

16

What number shall I start from on my number line?

What number do I want to get to?
What number shall count on by?
Can any number bond make counting on easier for me?
+10

27

10 + 3 + 3 = 16

+3

37

+3

40

43

32 -

= 18

What number shall I start from on my number line?

What number do I want to get to?
What number shall count on by?
Can any number bond make counting on easier for me?

+10
+2

+2

18

20

30

2 + 10 + 2 = 14
So.

32 -

14

= 18

32

Have a go at these questions now using number lines

and the counting on strategy:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

45 25 =
54 26 =
19 =36
28
= 14
43 37 =

6.

55 + 18 =

7.

29 + 40 =

8.

33 +

9.

= 51

+ 14 = 35

10. 22 + 15 =

Extra for Experts:

1. 154 147

6.

123 + 19

2. 172 133

7.

199 + 98

3. 198 188

8.

147 + 76

4. 134 119

9.

201 + 97

5. 176 - 134

10. 185 + 89

Work out the following

calculations mentally:

43 37
102 98
154 147
3005 2997

How can we show this using the

number line:
43 37
+3

+3

37

3+3=6

So,
40

43 37 = 6

43

154 147
+4

+3

3+4=7

So,
147

150

154

154 147 = 7

Have a look at these Calculations

144 138
89 34

What is it about the numbers that

made you decide to use mental
method or a number line?

134 123
125 - 76

Do you always need to use a number

line when the numbers are a
long way apart??

- 285 = 39
+

285

300