Subtraction is the term used to describe taking away one or more numbers from another. It is also commonly used to find the difference between two numbers. It is the opposite of addition. The minus sign (-) is used to denote a subtraction calculation, like below:
4 – 2 = 2
Just like addition, simple subtraction can be done by counting. For example, if Luke has 9 candies and Jason has 4 candies, what is the difference?
Starting with the smaller number (4) and counting up to the larger number (9).
Luke has 5 more candies than Jason. The difference in candies is 5.
So, 9 – 4 = 5
You can also solve easy subtraction problems on your fingers. Let's learn how by solving 10 – 2 = ?
Look at the first number, 10. Start by raising that many fingers-
Take away two fingers
How many fingers are left? 8, so 10 – 2 = 8
Let's try some more examples.
Example 1: If you have 5 stars and subtract 3 stars from it. How many stars are left?
Cut 3 stars from the set of 5 stars. 2 stars are left.
Example 2: If you have 7 cupcakes and eat 2 cupcakes. How many cupcakes are left?
Cut 2 cupcakes from the set of 7 cupcakes. 5 cupcakes are left.
Example 3: Six birds are sitting on a tree and 3 flew away. How many birds are left?
Note: If 0 is subtracted from a number then the result is the number itself. For example, 8 – 0 = 8
