Subtraction can mean taking some away. Start with the whole group, remove the amount in the question, then count what is left. Without a picture, count back: from 8, take away 3 by saying 7, 6, 5. When the missing number is the start, put back what was taken away.
Explore this idea with maths tools
Jump on a number line
2 + 3 = 5
Positive jumps go right. Negative jumps go left. Zero stays in the middle.
Words to know
- take away
- remove some from a group
- count back
- say the numbers before a number, one for each step
Worked examples
8 − 3
- 1.Start with eight counters and cross out three.
- 2.Count the counters left: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
= 5
6 − 2
- 1.Start at 6. Count back 2: 5, 4.
- 2.6 − 2 = 4.
= 4
? − 3 = 4
- 1.The missing number is how many there were at the start.
- 2.Put back the 3 taken away: 4 + 3 = 7.
= 7
For parents
Method: Take away
What to say: How many did we start with? How many went away? How many are left?
Common mistakes:
- Counts back but says the starting number as the first step, so the result is one too big.
- Takes away one more than the question says.
- Adds the numbers shown instead of taking away.
- Answers with a number already in the question: the amount taken away, or the amount left.
- For a missing starting number, subtracts the numbers shown instead of putting back what was taken.