Grade 4 · Mathematics
Semester 1 | Period 1 | Week 5
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Mathematics
Semester: 1
Period: 1
Week: 5
School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Mathematics
Grade Level: Grade 4
Date: Week 5
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 5, Period 1
Topic: Subtraction of Whole Numbers
Sub-topic: Using Population Data
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Subtract multi-digit numbers with and without borrowing
Interpret decreases in population data using subtraction
Previous Knowledge
Students already know how to subtract numbers up to four digits
Instructional Materials
Mathematics textbook for Grade 4, population data chart, marker board
Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher asks: If a town has 5,240 people and 1,120 people move away, what is the new population?
B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes
Definition:
Subtraction is the mathematical process of finding the difference between two numbers. It tells us how much is left when one quantity is taken away from another.
We use the minus sign (–) and the answer is called the difference.
Key Vocabulary:
Examples (Step-by-Step):
Example 1: Without Regrouping
45,620 – 23,410
Step-by-step subtraction:
45,620
– 23,410
22,210
→ All digits in the minuend are greater than or equal to the digits in the subtrahend; no borrowing needed.
Example 2: With Regrouping (Borrowing)
82,530 – 41,245
Step-by-step:
Ones: 0 – 5 → borrow from tens → 10 – 5 = 5
Tens: 2 (became 1) – 4 → borrow → 11 – 4 = 7
Hundreds: 4 (became 3) – 2 = 1
Thousands: 2 – 1 = 1
Ten-thousands: 8 – 4 = 4
Final Answer: **41,285**
Example 3: Real-Life Word Problem (Population Decrease)
A city had 10,000 residents. Due to emigration, 2,430 people left.
10,000 – 2,430 = 7,570 people remaining
Example 4: With Multiple Regrouping
62,410 – 31,245
Step-by-step:
Ones: 0 – 5 → borrow → 10 – 5 = 5
Tens: 1 – 4 → borrow → 11 – 4 = 7
Hundreds: 3 – 2 = 1
Thousands: 2 – 1 = 1
Ten-thousands: 6 – 3 = 3
Final Answer: **31,165**
Why Subtraction is Important:
Subtraction is used to:
Common Mistakes to Watch For:
Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
Assessment Checks:
Oral Questions (Quick Fire):
Written Exercise:
Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
Homework / Practice Activity:
Instructions: Solve the following subtraction problems and word problems. Show all steps.
C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Students review subtraction with and without borrowing. Teacher highlights real-life applications in population data.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip/quiz: Subtract 73,410 – 52,235.
Assignment (Expanded):
Solve three subtraction word problems from textbook page ___.
Follow-up Activity:
Students create subtraction stories using real-life family or community changes.
Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Weaker learners use base-ten blocks for support. Advanced learners solve larger 6-digit subtraction problems.
Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low