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Addition and subtraction in the Australian Curriculum

Strategies and problems for adding and subtracting. 15 content descriptions from Version 9.0, by year level.

Foundation

  • AC9MFN05

    represent practical situations involving addition, subtraction and quantification with physical and virtual materials and use counting or subitising strategies

    Number

    Plan this

All Foundation Mathematics

Year 1

  • AC9M1N04

    add and subtract numbers within 20, using physical and virtual materials, part-part-whole knowledge to 10 and a variety of calculation strategies

    Number

    Plan this

All Year 1 Mathematics

Year 2

  • AC9M2N04

    add and subtract one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences, and solve using part-part-whole reasoning and a variety of calculation strategies

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M2N05

    multiply and divide by one-digit numbers using repeated addition, equal grouping, arrays, and partitioning to support a variety of calculation strategies

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M2A02

    recall and demonstrate proficiency with addition facts to 20; extend and apply facts to develop related subtraction facts

    Algebra

    Plan this

All Year 2 Mathematics

Year 3

  • AC9M3N03

    add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers using place value to partition, rearrange and regroup numbers to assist in calculations without a calculator

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M3A01

    recognise and explain the connection between addition and subtraction as inverse operations, apply to partition numbers and find unknown values in number sentences

    Algebra

    Plan this
  • AC9M3A02

    extend and apply knowledge of addition and subtraction facts to 20 to develop efficient mental strategies for computation with larger numbers without a calculator

    Algebra

    Plan this

All Year 3 Mathematics

Year 4

  • AC9M4N06

    develop efficient strategies and use appropriate digital tools for solving problems involving addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division where there is no remainder

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M4N09

    follow and create algorithms involving a sequence of steps and decisions that use addition or multiplication to generate sets of numbers; identify and describe any emerging patterns

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M4A01

    find unknown values in numerical equations involving addition and subtraction, using the properties of numbers and operations

    Algebra

    Plan this

All Year 4 Mathematics

Year 5

  • AC9M5N05

    solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with the same or related denominators, using different strategies

    Number

    Plan this

All Year 5 Mathematics

Year 6

  • AC9M6N04

    apply knowledge of place value to add and subtract decimals, using digital tools where appropriate; use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers

    Number

    Plan this
  • AC9M6N05

    solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions using knowledge of equivalent fractions

    Number

    Plan this

All Year 6 Mathematics

Year 7

  • AC9M7N07

    compare, order and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of integers

    Number

    Plan this

All Year 7 Mathematics

Questions teachers ask

Where does addition and subtraction appear in the Australian Curriculum?
15 Mathematics content descriptions from Foundation to Year 7 mention addition and subtraction. They are listed here by year with their codes.
Can Heapso make addition and subtraction worksheets?
Yes. Choose "Plan this" next to a content description for a lesson set to that year, or make a worksheet at three levels so every student can practise the same skill.

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© Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) 2010 to present, unless otherwise indicated. This material was downloaded from the Australian Curriculum website (accessed 18 October 2026) and was not modified. The material is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

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