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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Where is subtraction hiding in Khan Academy Kids subtraction stories?

Use objects disappearing or being shared to ask how many are left.

Quick answer

Subtraction is hiding in Khan Academy Kids subtraction stories when things disappear, are shared, or are taken away. You can find subtraction by asking "How many are left?" when something gets smaller.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how subtraction works in everyday stories and be able to solve simple subtraction problems by imagining things disappear or get shared. Success signs:
  • You can tell when a story shows subtraction
  • You can draw or act out a subtraction story
  • You can solve a subtraction problem by counting backwards or taking away
  • You can find subtraction in your own life, like when you eat cookies or lose toys

Why this matters

Subtraction is one of the most useful maths skills you’ll learn. It helps you understand how things change when they get smaller. Whether you're sharing snacks with friends, counting down the minutes before your birthday, or watching your pet lose weight, subtraction helps you make sense of these changes. In Khan Academy Kids, subtraction stories teach you how to solve problems like "How many apples are left?" or "How many toys did I give away?" These skills help you do well in school and solve real-life problems.

How it works

Subtraction is like taking something away. When you have a group of things and something gets removed, you can use subtraction to find out how many are left. Here’s how to think about it:
  1. Start with a group of things (like 5 apples)
  2. Take some away (like 2 apples)
  3. Count how many are left (like 3 apples)
This is written as: 5 – 2 = 3 You can also think of subtraction as "how many more do I need to take away to get to zero?" For example, if you have 8 crayons and you take away 3, you can count backwards: 8, 7, 6, 5. So, 8 – 3 = 5.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real-life examples of subtraction in Khan Academy Kids stories: Example 1: Apples in a basket You have 6 apples in a basket. You eat 2 apples. How many apples are left?
  • Start with 6 apples
  • Take away 2 apples
  • Count: 6 – 2 = 4 apples
Example 2: Toys shared with friends You have 10 toy cars. You give 3 to your friend. How many cars do you have now?
  • Start with 10 cars
  • Give away 3 cars
  • Count: 10 – 3 = 7 cars
Example 3: Balloons floating away You have 7 balloons. 3 balloons float away. How many balloons are left?
  • Start with 7 balloons
  • 3 balloons float away
  • Count: 7 – 3 = 4 balloons
These examples show how subtraction helps us figure out how many things are left when some are taken away.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Lost Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in Khan Academy Kids. You start with 12 coins in your pocket. As you walk through the forest, you find a cave with 5 more coins. But then, a friendly squirrel takes 3 coins from you. How many coins do you have now? Let’s solve it step by step:
  1. Start with 12 coins
  2. Find 5 more coins: 12 + 5 = 17 coins
  3. Squirrel takes 3 coins: 17 – 3 = 14 coins
You have 14 coins now! Can you imagine walking through the forest and counting your coins? What else could happen on your treasure hunt? What other subtraction stories can you create?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that subtraction means adding.
    • Why it happens: Confusing addition and subtraction.
    • Fix: Remember that subtraction means taking something away. If you start with 8 and take away 3, you get a smaller number. Try counting backwards!
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the things that were taken away.
    • Why it happens: Not paying attention to the story.
    • Fix: Read the story slowly. Ask, “How many were taken away?” Then subtract that number from the total.
  • Mistake: Counting from the wrong number.
    • Why it happens: Not starting from the correct number.
    • Fix: Always start with the number of things you had at first. If you had 9, start counting from 9.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn subtraction by:
  • Reading subtraction stories together, like the ones in Khan Academy Kids
  • Using everyday examples: “You had 5 cookies and ate 2. How many are left?”
  • Letting your child act out subtraction stories with toys or food
  • Encouraging them to draw pictures of the story
  • Practicing with simple subtraction games or flashcards
What to say:
  • “Let’s count how many you had at first.”
  • “How many were taken away?”
  • “What number is left?”
  • “Can you show me with your fingers?”
What not to worry about:
  • It’s okay if your child counts on their fingers or uses objects to solve problems
  • Don’t rush them. Subtraction takes time to understand
  • They might make mistakes. That’s how they learn!

Practice questions

  1. There were 8 birds on a tree. 3 flew away. How many birds are left?
  2. You had 10 stickers. You gave 4 to your friend. How many stickers do you have now?
  3. There were 15 balloons. 6 popped. How many balloons are left?
  4. There were 12 pencils in a box. You took 5 out. How many pencils are in the box now?
  5. There were 9 cookies. You ate 2. How many cookies are left?
Answers:
  1. 8 – 3 = 5 birds
  2. 10 – 4 = 6 stickers
  3. 15 – 6 = 9 balloons
  4. 12 – 5 = 7 pencils
  5. 9 – 2 = 7 cookies

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is when you take something away from a group. It helps you find out how many are left.

How do I know when to use subtraction?

You use subtraction when something gets smaller. If you start with 10 and take away 3, you use subtraction to find out how many are left.

Can subtraction be used in games?

Yes! In games, subtraction is used when you lose lives, score points, or share items with friends.

Why is subtraction important?

Subtraction helps you understand changes in numbers. It’s used in money, time, sharing, and many daily activities.

How can I practice subtraction at home?

You can practice by using toys, food, or drawings to act out subtraction stories. Try asking questions like, “How many are left?” or “What happens when I take some away?”