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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Khan Academy Kids subtraction stories maths mission

A practical mini-mission using subtraction stories to practise subtraction through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

Subtraction stories help you solve problems by imagining what happens when things are taken away or shared.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve subtraction stories by using pictures, objects, or counting backwards to find the answer. Success signs:
  • You can tell a story about taking away things and solve it.
  • You can use objects or drawings to show subtraction.
  • You can count backwards to find the answer.
  • You can solve a story problem without needing to write numbers.

Why this matters

Subtraction stories help you understand how numbers work in real life. When you're at the shop and buy 3 apples, but you had 5, you need to know how many are left. When you're playing a game and lose 2 points, you need to know how many you have now. Subtraction stories help you solve these everyday problems quickly and easily.

How it works

Subtraction stories are like little adventures where something gets taken away. To solve them:
  1. Look at the story and find how many things you start with.
  2. Find out how many are taken away or shared.
  3. Count backwards or take away objects to find how many are left.
  4. Write down or say the answer.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some subtraction stories and how to solve them. Story 1: You have 8 toy cars. You give 3 to your friend. How many do you have left?
  • Start with: 8 cars
  • Take away: 3 cars
  • Count backwards: 8, 7, 6, 5
  • Answer: 5 cars
Story 2: There are 10 birds on a tree. 4 fly away. How many birds are left?
  • Start with: 10 birds
  • Take away: 4 birds
  • Count backwards: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6
  • Answer: 6 birds
Story 3: You have 7 stickers. You use 2 to decorate your notebook. How many stickers are left?
  • Start with: 7 stickers
  • Take away: 2 stickers
  • Count backwards: 7, 6, 5
  • Answer: 5 stickers

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt! You start with 12 coins in your bag. You find a chest with 5 more coins inside. But then, a friendly monster takes 3 coins from you. How many coins do you have now? Let’s solve this step by step:
  1. Start with: 12 coins
  2. Find more: +5 coins
  3. Now you have: 12 + 5 = 17 coins
  4. Monster takes: -3 coins
  5. Count backwards: 17, 16, 15, 14
  6. Answer: 14 coins
Challenge: Can you make up your own treasure hunt story with subtraction? Write it down or tell it to a grown-up!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking you add when you should subtract.
    • Why it happens: It's easy to mix up adding and subtracting when you hear a story.
    • Fix: Ask yourself, “Are things being taken away or added?” If something is taken away, you subtract.
  • Mistake: Counting the wrong number of items.
    • Why it happens: Sometimes we get confused when we see a lot of things.
    • Fix: Count carefully and use your fingers or objects to help you.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to check your answer.
    • Why it happens: It’s easy to rush through a story and not double-check.
    • Fix: After solving, ask, “Does this answer make sense?”

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Reading subtraction stories together and asking questions like, “How many were there at first?” and “How many were taken away?”
  • Using everyday situations like sharing food or toys to practice subtraction.
  • Encouraging children to draw pictures or use objects to solve problems.
  • Letting children make up their own subtraction stories – it helps them understand better!
  • Not worrying if a child counts on their fingers or uses objects – this is a helpful way to learn.

Practice questions

  1. There are 9 balloons. 4 pop. How many are left?
  2. You have 6 pencils. You lose 2. How many do you have now?
  3. There are 11 flowers. 5 are picked. How many are left?
  4. You start with 10 cookies. You eat 3. How many are left?
  5. There are 15 stars on a poster. 7 are crossed out. How many are left?
Answers:
  1. 5
  2. 4
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 8

FAQ

What is a subtraction story?

A subtraction story is a short story that uses numbers and tells a problem about taking things away. You solve it by finding how many are left.

Why do we use subtraction stories?

Subtraction stories help us understand how numbers work in real life. They make math more fun and easier to imagine.

How can I practice subtraction stories at home?

You can make up your own stories, use toys or food, or read subtraction stories together. Try to count backwards or take away objects to find the answer.

What if I get confused between adding and subtracting?

It's okay to get mixed up! Remember: if things are taken away, you subtract. If things are added, you add. You can always use your fingers or draw pictures to help.

Can I make up my own subtraction stories?

Yes! Making up your own stories is a great way to learn. Try to think of a story about something you like, like toys, pets, or snacks.