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Maths Adventures

Dragon maths quest: subtraction

A story-led junior maths adventure using hoards, scales and fiery puzzles to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.

Quick answer

Subtraction is like taking away or finding what is left. In a Dragon maths quest, you might need to subtract to work out how many gold coins are left after trading, how many dragons are still safe, or how many steps you have to climb to escape a fire.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will know how to use subtraction to find what is left when you take away or share things, and you will be able to solve dragon-themed puzzles using subtraction. Success signs:
  • You can solve subtraction problems using objects or drawings
  • You can find the difference between two numbers
  • You can use subtraction to solve real-life problems like sharing or trading
  • You can work out how many things are left after some are taken away

Why this matters

Subtraction helps you work out how much is left when you give something away, lose something, or share things. In a dragon adventure, you might need to subtract to:
  • Find how many gold coins you have left after trading some
  • Work out how many dragons are still safe after a fire
  • Calculate how many steps you still need to climb to escape a cave
  • Figure out how many treasure chests are left after opening some
Subtraction is also used in many everyday situations like:
  • Sharing snacks with friends
  • Buying something and working out how much change you get
  • Counting down the minutes to your next activity
  • Measuring how much water is left in a jug

How it works

Subtraction is like the opposite of addition. When you subtract, you take something away or find what is left.
  1. Start with a number (this is called the minuend)
  2. Take away or remove some (this is called the subtrahend)
  3. Count how much is left (this is called the difference)
You can think of subtraction in different ways:
  • Take away: If you have 8 apples and eat 3, how many are left?
  • Find the difference: If you have 8 apples and your friend has 3, how many more apples do you have?
  • Count back: If you have 8 apples and give away 3, count backwards from 8 to find the answer

Examples you can see

Let's go on a Dragon maths quest! Here are some examples to help you understand subtraction: Example 1: Taking away You have 10 gold coins in your treasure chest. You give 4 coins to a friendly dragon. How many coins are left?
  • Start with: 10 coins
  • Take away: 4 coins
  • Count back: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6
  • Answer: 6 coins left
Example 2: Finding the difference Your dragon friend has 7 fireballs. You have 12 fireballs. How many more fireballs do you have than your friend?
  • Start with: 12 fireballs
  • Take away: 7 fireballs
  • Answer: 5 more fireballs
Example 3: Using a number line You are climbing a mountain with 15 steps. You have already climbed 8 steps. How many more steps do you need to climb?
  • Start at: 15 steps
  • Go back: 8 steps
  • Count: 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8
  • Answer: 7 more steps

Try it as a mini adventure

Dragon's Treasure Rescue You are on a quest to save a dragon's treasure from a fire. The dragon has a treasure chest with 12 golden coins. You must take some coins to safety before the fire spreads. The fire spreads and takes 5 coins. How many coins are left in the chest? Step 1: Start with 12 coins in the chest Step 2: The fire takes 5 coins Step 3: Count back from 12: 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 Step 4: 7 coins are left in the chest Step 5: You take 3 more coins to safety Step 6: Count back from 7: 7, 6, 5, 4 Step 7: 4 coins are left in the chest Step 8: You take 2 more coins to safety Step 9: Count back from 4: 4, 3, 2 Step 10: 2 coins are left in the chest Final answer: There are 2 coins left in the chest after all the rescues.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that subtraction means you add the numbers together
    Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition
    Fix: Remember that subtraction means taking away, not adding. Use objects or draw pictures to help
  • Mistake: Starting at the wrong number when counting back
    Why it happens: Not understanding which number is the starting point
    Fix: Always start with the bigger number and count back the smaller number
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the starting number when counting back
    Why it happens: Rushing through the problem
    Fix: Count carefully and make sure to include the starting number in your count
  • Mistake: Subtracting the bigger number from the smaller number
    Why it happens: Not understanding that the first number should be bigger
    Fix: Always check that your starting number is larger than the number you are taking away

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child with subtraction by:
  • Using everyday situations to practice subtraction, like sharing snacks or counting toys
  • Encouraging your child to draw pictures or use objects to solve subtraction problems
  • Playing subtraction games like "take away" with blocks or counters
  • Using number lines to show how counting back works
  • Practicing with real-world examples like money or time
  • Being patient and letting your child explain their thinking
What to say:
  • "Let's think about how many are left"
  • "Can you show me with your fingers?"
  • "What happens when we take away?"
  • "Let's count back together"
What not to worry about:
  • Children may need time to understand subtraction concepts
  • It's normal for children to make mistakes when learning new skills
  • Don't rush - let your child think through problems at their own pace

Practice questions

  1. Dragon has 9 fireballs. He uses 4 fireballs to help friends. How many fireballs does he have left?
  2. You have 15 dragon eggs. 6 eggs hatch. How many eggs are still unhatched?
  3. There are 12 dragon scales on the ground. You collect 7 scales. How many scales are still on the ground?
  4. Dragon has 10 treasure chests. He opens 3 chests. How many chests are still closed?
  5. You have 14 dragon wings. 5 wings are broken. How many wings are still whole?
Answers:
  1. 9 - 4 = 5 fireballs
  2. 15 - 6 = 9 eggs
  3. 12 - 7 = 5 scales
  4. 10 - 3 = 7 chests
  5. 14 - 5 = 9 wings

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is when you take away something from a group or number. It helps you find out how much is left.

How do I know which number to start with in subtraction?

You should always start with the larger number. This is called the minuend. The number you take away is called the subtrahend.

Can I use subtraction for anything else besides taking away?

Yes! Subtraction can also help you find the difference between two numbers or work out how far you have to go to reach a goal.

How can I practice subtraction at home?

You can practice by counting objects, using toys or food items, drawing pictures, or solving real-life problems like sharing snacks or counting down time.

Why do we learn subtraction?

We learn subtraction to solve problems in everyday life, like sharing things, working out how much change we get, and understanding how many things are left after some are taken away.