👨👩👧👦 What is a Fact Family?
A Fact Family is a set of 4 related math facts using the same three numbers. Just like brothers and sisters in a family help each other, these facts help each other too!
We usually make fact families with addition and subtraction.
🌟 A Fact Family Example
The Numbers: 6, 8, and 14
6 + 8 = 14
8 + 6 = 14
14 − 8 = 6
14 − 6 = 8
Remember: Addition and subtraction are opposites. If you know one fact, you can easily figure out the other three!
✨ More Fact Families
1. Numbers: 7, 5, 12
7 + 5 = 12
5 + 7 = 12
12 − 7 = 5
12 − 5 = 7
2. Numbers: 9, 6, 15
9 + 6 = 15
6 + 9 = 15
15 − 9 = 6
15 − 6 = 9
3. Bigger Numbers: 23, 45, 68
23 + 45 = 68
45 + 23 = 68
68 − 45 = 23
68 − 23 = 45
🛠️ How to Build a Fact Family
- Choose three numbers (two small ones and their sum)
- Write the two addition facts (you can switch the order)
- Write the two subtraction facts (using the big number first)
✏️ Let’s Practice Together, My Dear Student!
Practice 1: Complete the Fact Family
Numbers: 8, 9, 17
8 + 9 = 17
9 + 8 = 17
17 − 9 = 8
17 − 8 = 9
Practice 2: Write the Whole Family
1. Numbers 24 and 35 → Sum is 59
24 + 35 = 59
35 + 24 = 59
59 − 35 = 24
59 − 24 = 35
Practice 3: Word Problems (Canadian Style)
1. You have 56 hockey cards and your friend has 39. Together you have 95 cards.
Write the full fact family:
56 + 39 = 95
39 + 56 = 95
95 − 39 = 56
95 − 56 = 39
Challenge Question
Make a fact family with the numbers 47, 28, and 75.
47 + 28 = 75
28 + 47 = 75
75 − 28 = 47
75 − 47 = 28
💡 Why Are Fact Families Helpful?
- They help you remember facts faster
- They make subtraction easier if you know addition
- They prepare you for multiplication and division fact families later
- They make mental math much stronger!
Fantastic Job, My Dear Student! 🎉
You now understand Fact Families very well! This is a powerful tool that helps you with addition, subtraction, and even bigger math later.
I am so proud of you! Pick any three numbers today and make your own fact family — it’s fun!
💕 You are smart. You are kind. You can do hard things.
When you are ready, tell me the next topic (Multiplication, Arrays, or anything else from the syllabus) and I will create another beautiful lesson just for you!