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Maths Adventures

Arctic maths quest: subtraction

A story-led junior maths adventure using ice maps, temperature and survival supplies to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.

Quick answer

Subtraction is when you take away or find out how much is left. In an Arctic maths quest, you might start with 10 ice blocks and use 3 for your igloo, leaving 7 blocks. Subtraction helps you work out how much is left after something is taken away.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use subtraction to find out how much is left after something is taken away, and you will be able to solve simple Arctic-themed subtraction problems. Success signs:
  • You can subtract numbers up to 20 using objects or drawings
  • You can solve word problems about taking away ice blocks, food supplies, or animals
  • You can use subtraction to check if you have enough supplies for your Arctic adventure
  • You can explain how subtraction helps in real-life situations like sharing or saving

Why this matters

Subtraction is useful in many ways! When you are on an Arctic adventure, you need to know how much food is left after eating, how many ice blocks you have left after building, or how many animals are still safe after a rescue. Subtraction helps you keep track of things and make sure you have enough for your journey. It also helps you in school when you are counting, sharing, or solving problems. You use subtraction every day when you have 5 cookies and eat 2, or when you have 10 toys and give 3 to a friend.

How it works

Subtraction is the opposite of addition. When you add, you put things together. When you subtract, you take things away. To subtract, you start with a number and take away a smaller number. The answer is how much is left. Here are the steps to do subtraction:
  1. Start with a number (this is called the "minuend")
  2. Take away a smaller number (this is called the "subtrahend")
  3. Count how much is left (this is called the "difference")
You can subtract using:
  • Counting backwards
  • Using objects like ice blocks or food
  • Using a number line
  • Writing it in a subtraction sentence like 10 - 3 = 7

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are on an Arctic quest and you have 8 ice blocks. You use 3 blocks to build your igloo. How many blocks do you have left? Step 1: Start with 8 ice blocks Step 2: Take away 3 blocks Step 3: Count how many are left Answer: 8 - 3 = 5 blocks You can also use a number line to solve this:
  1. Start at 8
  2. Move back 3 spaces
  3. You land on 5
Another example: You have 12 snowballs and you give 5 to your friend. How many do you have left? Step 1: Start with 12 snowballs Step 2: Take away 5 snowballs Step 3: Count how many are left Answer: 12 - 5 = 7 snowballs You can also draw this:
  • Draw 12 snowballs
  • Circle 5 of them
  • Count the ones that are not circled

Try it as a mini adventure

You are on an Arctic maths quest and your survival supplies are running low! You start with 15 ice cubes to keep your food cool. You use 6 ice cubes to make a snowman. Then, you use 3 more for a sled. How many ice cubes do you have left? Step 1: Start with 15 ice cubes Step 2: Use 6 cubes for your snowman Step 3: Count how many are left Step 4: Use 3 more cubes for your sled Step 5: Count how many are left Answer: 15 - 6 = 9, then 9 - 3 = 6 cubes left You can also do this in a real-life way:
  1. Use 15 small blocks or coins
  2. Take away 6 blocks to represent the snowman
  3. Count how many are left
  4. Take away 3 more blocks to represent the sled
  5. Count how many are left

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 10 - 3 = 13 Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition Fix: Use objects or a number line to check your answer. 10 - 3 = 7 because 3 comes before 10 on the number line
  • Mistake: Taking away the bigger number from the smaller number Why it happens: Not understanding the order of subtraction Fix: Always start with the bigger number. If you have 5 apples and eat 3, you subtract 3 from 5, not the other way around
  • Mistake: Not writing the minus sign correctly Why it happens: Confusing with other symbols Fix: Remember the minus sign looks like a line (–) and means "take away"

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using everyday situations to practice subtraction, like counting how many cookies are left after eating some
  • Playing subtraction games with blocks, toys, or food
  • Reading Arctic-themed stories that include numbers and subtraction
  • Encouraging children to explain their thinking when solving subtraction problems
  • Practicing with real objects like ice cubes, toy animals, or food items
  • Using number lines or counting backwards to help visualise subtraction
To help your child:
  1. Ask them to tell you how many they started with
  2. Ask them how many they took away
  3. Ask them to count how many are left
  4. Use simple language like "How many are left?" or "How much is remaining?"
Remember, it's okay if your child makes mistakes. Subtraction takes practice, and every mistake is a learning opportunity!

Practice questions

  1. Start with 10 ice blocks. Use 4 blocks. How many are left? Answer: 10 - 4 = 6
  2. You have 14 snowballs. You give 6 to your friend. How many do you have left? Answer: 14 - 6 = 8
  3. There are 11 penguins on the ice. 5 penguins go into the water. How many are left? Answer: 11 - 5 = 6
  4. You start with 16 fish. You eat 7 fish. How many are left? Answer: 16 - 7 = 9
  5. There are 9 ice floes. 3 floes melt. How many are left? Answer: 9 - 3 = 6

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is when you take away one number from another to find out how much is left.

How can I practice subtraction at home?

You can practice by using toys, food, or blocks to take away items and count what is left.

Why is subtraction important?

Subtraction helps you know how much is left after using or sharing things. It is used in daily life, like when you eat cookies or share toys.

Can I use a number line to subtract?

Yes! You can start at a number and move backwards to subtract.

What happens if I subtract a bigger number from a smaller number?

If you subtract a bigger number from a smaller number, the answer will be a negative number, which is a bit more advanced for this level. For now, always subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.