Subtraction
What is Subtraction?
Imagine you have some toys, but then you give some away. The number of toys you have has become less. This process of "taking away" is called subtraction!
Let's try it. If you have 4 blocks and you give 3 away, how many blocks do you have left?
\(\quad\) take away \(\quad\) 
\(\quad\) equal \(\quad\) 
Let's try it. If you have 4 blocks and you give 3 away, how many blocks do you have left?
\(\quad\) take away \(\quad\) \(\quad\) equal \(\quad\)
Definition Subtraction
Subtraction means taking away from a group to find out how many are left. The answer in subtraction is called the difference.
In mathematics, we use special symbols for subtraction:
In mathematics, we use special symbols for subtraction:
- The minus sign (\(-\)) means to subtract or take away.
- The equals sign (\(=\)) shows that the expressions on both sides have the same value.
- Symbolic: $$\textcolor{colordef}{4} - \textcolor{colorprop}{3} = \textcolor{olive}{1}$$
- Cubes:
\(-\) 
\(=\) - Fingers (Putting Down):
\(-\) 
\(=\) 
- Words: $$\textcolor{colordef}{\text{four }}\text{minus}\textcolor{colorprop}{\text{ three}}\text{ equals }\textcolor{olive}{\text{one}}$$
How to Subtract
Method Subtracting by Taking Away
A simple way to subtract is by "taking away." You start with the total number and then put down the number of fingers you are subtracting.
Let's solve: \(5 - 2 = ?\) \(5 - 2 = 3\)
\(-\) 
\(=\) 
Let's solve: \(5 - 2 = ?\)
- Step 1: Show the starting number. Hold up 5 fingers. This is your total.
- Step 2: Take away by putting fingers down. You need to subtract 2, so put down 2 fingers, one at a time. \(\rightarrow\)
\(\rightarrow\) 
- Step 3: Count what is left. Count the fingers that are still up. There are 3 fingers left.
\(-\) \(=\)