Maths Adventures
Airport maths quest: subtraction
A story-led junior maths adventure using departures, luggage weights and route maps to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.
Quick answer
Subtraction is about taking away or finding what is left. In this airport adventure, you'll use subtraction to work out how many planes are left, how much luggage is still on the plane, or how many passengers are still waiting to board.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to use subtraction to solve real problems, like working out how many things are left after some are taken away, using airport examples. Success signs:- You can count backwards or take away objects to find what is left
- You can solve subtraction problems using numbers or pictures
- You can use subtraction to solve problems about planes, luggage, or passengers
- You can explain how subtraction helps in real life, like at the airport
Why this matters
Subtraction is useful in many places, especially at airports. When you go to the airport, you might need to find out:- How many passengers are still waiting to board
- How much luggage is left to collect
- How many planes are still at the gate
- How many seats are still available on a flight
How it works
Subtraction is like taking away or sharing. Here's how it works:- Start with a number (this is the minuend)
- Take away some (this is the subtrahend)
- Find out how much is left (this is the difference)
Examples you can see
Let's look at some real airport examples where subtraction helps us: Example 1: Planes at the gate There are 12 planes at the gate. 5 planes have already taken off. How many planes are left at the gate? 12 - 5 = 7 So, 7 planes are still at the gate. Example 2: Luggage weight A plane can carry 500 kg of luggage. It already has 300 kg. How much more luggage can it carry? 500 - 300 = 200 So, it can carry 200 kg more luggage. Example 3: Passengers waiting There are 60 passengers waiting to board. 25 have already boarded. How many are still waiting? 60 - 25 = 35 So, 35 passengers are still waiting. Example 4: Seats on a plane A plane has 150 seats. 120 have been booked. How many seats are still free? 150 - 120 = 30 So, 30 seats are still free.Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Airport Rescue Mission You are a helper at the airport. Your job is to help the rescue team by solving subtraction problems. Step 1: There are 20 passengers on a plane. 7 have already left for the airport. How many are still on the plane? 20 - 7 = ? Step 2: The rescue team has 35 boxes of supplies. They use 12 boxes. How many boxes are left? 35 - 12 = ? Step 3: There are 40 suitcases at the baggage claim. 18 have already been collected. How many are still there? 40 - 18 = ? Step 4: A plane can carry 100 passengers. 65 have already boarded. How many more passengers can board? 100 - 65 = ? Step 5: There are 50 security guards. 20 are on duty. How many are off duty? 50 - 20 = ? Answer Key: 1. 13 passengers are still on the plane 2. 23 boxes are left 3. 22 suitcases are still there 4. 35 more passengers can board 5. 30 security guards are off dutyCommon mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking that 10 - 3 = 13 instead of 7
Why it happens: Confusing addition with subtraction
Fix: Use counting backwards or draw pictures to show what happens when you take away - Mistake: Starting from the smaller number when subtracting
Why it happens: Not understanding that subtraction means taking away
Fix: Always start with the bigger number, then take away the smaller number - Mistake: Forgetting to write the minus sign (-)
Why it happens: Rushing or not paying attention
Fix: Write the minus sign clearly and check your work - Mistake: Counting forwards instead of backwards
Why it happens: Not knowing the difference between addition and subtraction
Fix: Use a number line to show backwards counting
Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help children learn subtraction by:- Using everyday situations like sharing food or counting toys to show subtraction
- Playing subtraction games using objects like blocks or coins
- Reading subtraction stories together, like this airport adventure
- Encouraging children to draw pictures to solve subtraction problems
- Practicing with simple problems using numbers up to 20
- Checking that children understand that subtraction means "taking away"
- Reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes and that they can learn from them
- Using real-world examples like shopping or cooking to show how subtraction is used
- Letting children solve problems in their own way, then showing them other methods
- Not pressuring children to get answers quickly; focus on understanding
Practice questions
- There are 15 passengers waiting. 8 have already boarded. How many are still waiting?
Answer: 7 passengers - A plane has 80 seats. 55 have been taken. How many seats are free?
Answer: 25 seats - There are 25 boxes of food. 10 are given to the rescue team. How many are left?
Answer: 15 boxes - There are 40 suitcases at the gate. 15 are taken. How many are still there?
Answer: 25 suitcases - A flight has 100 passengers. 30 have already left. How many are still on the flight?
Answer: 70 passengers
FAQ
What is subtraction?
Subtraction is the process of taking away or finding what is left when something is removed from a group.
How can I practice subtraction at home?
You can practice by using everyday objects like toys, food, or coins to solve subtraction problems. Try counting backwards or using a number line.
Why is subtraction important?
Subtraction helps us understand how much is left after something is taken away. It is used in many real-life situations like shopping, cooking, and planning trips.
What are some real-world examples of subtraction?
Examples include: How many cookies are left after eating some, how many seats are still free on a bus, or how much money is left after buying something.
How can I help my child with subtraction?
You can help by asking subtraction questions during daily activities, using visual aids like drawings or objects, and encouraging your child to explain their thinking.