Mental maths - addition and subtraction - KS2 Maths resources for Year 3

What is mental maths?

Mental maths is when you do calculations in your head instead of writing them down.

Sometimes, it's just as quick to do calculations in your head as it is to write down every step.

You can add and subtract using your knowledge of doubles and number bonds.

Even though you're working things out in your head, you can still write down notes to help you if you need.

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to do mental maths and put your knowledge to the test.

There are lots of different tools that help you to do mental addition and subtraction.

Remember, it doesn't have to be done entirely in your head, you can still use a pencil and paper to help.

Find out about some of the tools you can use in the slideshow below.

Image caption,
When you add you can rearrange the numbers in the calculation and use your knowledge of number bonds.
Image caption,
Knowing doubles can help when adding numbers near to these doubles.
Image caption,
You can use an empty number line to help find the difference between numbers. To find the difference between numbers you can either count up or down - whichever you prefer!