What is Subtraction?

Subtraction means “taking away” or finding out “how many are left.” When we subtract, we start with a number and take some away to see what remains.

We use the minus sign − to show subtraction.

Understanding Subtraction with a Story

Mia had 7 balloons. 3 balloons flew away! How many balloons does Mia have now?

We write this as: 7 − 3 = 4

This means: Start with 7, take away 3, and you have 4 left!

Method 1: Counting Backwards (Number Line Method)

The easiest way to subtract is to count backwards on a number line.

Example: 8 − 3 = ?

Start at 8, then jump back 3 times:

0---1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10
                    ↑       ↑
                    5       8
        ←---←---←---
        3   2   1

You land on 5! So 8 − 3 = 5

Try this:

  • 6 − 2 = ? (Start at 6, jump back 2 times: 6 → 5 → 4)
  • 9 − 4 = ? (Start at 9, jump back 4 times: 9 → 8 → 7 → 6 → 5)

Method 2: Using Pictures (Taking Away Method)

Draw objects and cross them out!

Example: 5 − 2 = ?

🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎 🍎    (We have 5 apples)
❌ ❌              (We eat 2 apples)
🍎 🍎 🍎          (3 apples are left!)

So 5 − 2 = 3

Another Example: 7 − 4 = ?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐    (7 stars)
❌ ❌ ❌ ❌            (4 stars disappear)
⭐ ⭐ ⭐              (3 stars remain)

So 7 − 4 = 3

Method 3: Using Your Fingers

Your fingers are always with you for counting!

Example: 6 − 2 = ?

  1. Hold up 6 fingers
  2. Put down 2 fingers
  3. Count how many fingers are still up
  4. Answer: 4 fingers are up! So 6 − 2 = 4

Try this:

  • Hold up 8 fingers, put down 5. How many are left? (Answer: 3)
  • Hold up 7 fingers, put down 3. How many are left? (Answer: 4)

Method 4: Think Addition! (Fact Families)

Here’s a clever trick: subtraction and addition are friends!

If you know 3 + 4 = 7, then you also know 7 − 4 = 3!

Example: What is 9 − 5?

Think: “What number plus 5 equals 9?” You know: 4 + 5 = 9 So: 9 − 5 = 4

This is called using fact families:

  • 2 + 3 = 5
  • 3 + 2 = 5
  • 5 − 2 = 3
  • 5 − 3 = 2

Fun Examples with Stories

🐦 The Bird Example

9 birds were sitting on a tree. 6 birds flew away. How many birds are left?

  • 9 − 6 = 3 birds

🍪 The Cookie Example

You baked 8 cookies. Your brother ate 3 cookies. How many cookies are left?

  • 8 − 3 = 5 cookies

🚗 The Toy Car Example

Sam had 7 toy cars. He gave 2 cars to his friend. How many cars does Sam have now?

  • 7 − 2 = 5 cars

Tips and Tricks for Subtraction Success! ✨

Tip 1: Subtracting Zero

When you subtract 0, nothing changes!

  • 5 − 0 = 5
  • 8 − 0 = 8
  • Any number minus 0 stays the same!

Tip 2: Subtracting from Itself

When you subtract a number from itself, you always get 0!

  • 4 − 4 = 0
  • 7 − 7 = 0
  • 9 − 9 = 0

Tip 3: Subtracting 1

Subtracting 1 is the same as counting back one number!

  • 6 − 1 = 5
  • 8 − 1 = 7
  • It’s just the number before!

Tip 4: Use Your Addition Facts

If you’re great at addition, you’re already great at subtraction!

  • Know 3 + 5 = 8? Then 8 − 5 = 3!

Tip 5: Start Big, Take Away Small

The first number (the bigger one) is what you start with. The second number is what you take away.

 

Remember!

  • Subtraction means taking away
  • The answer tells us what’s left
  • The minus sign (−) means subtract
  • You can count backwards, draw pictures, use fingers, or think addition!
  • Practice every day and you’ll become a subtraction superstar! ⭐

Keep practicing and have fun with math! 🎉

Image Courtesy

Worksheet on Introduction to Subtraction