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Maths Adventures

Jungle maths quest: subtraction

A story-led junior maths adventure using bridges, vines and hidden temples to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.

Quick answer

Subtraction is taking away or finding what is left. In a jungle quest, you might start with 10 bananas and eat 3, leaving 7 bananas.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to subtract numbers using objects, pictures, and simple number sentences to find what is left after taking away. Success signs:
  • You can take away objects and count how many are left
  • You can draw pictures to show subtraction
  • You can write a subtraction number sentence like 8 - 3 = 5
  • You can solve a jungle problem like: "If 5 monkeys are on a vine and 2 jump down, how many are left?"

Why this matters

Subtraction is used everywhere in life. When you eat 3 cookies from a jar of 10, you use subtraction to know how many are left. When you play a game and lose 2 points, you subtract to find your new score. In the jungle, you use subtraction when you take away food, count rescued friends, or find how many bridges are left to cross.

How it works

Subtraction means taking something away. It is the opposite of addition. When you have 5 apples and eat 2, you take 2 away from 5. You count what is left. The symbol for subtraction is the minus sign (–). If you start with 5 and take away 2, you write: 5 – 2 = 3. This means "five minus two equals three". To subtract:
  1. Start with a number (the bigger number)
  2. Take away some (the smaller number)
  3. Count what is left

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are on a jungle quest with your friends. You start with 8 jungle fruits. Example 1: You eat 3 fruits. How many are left?
  • You start with 8 fruits
  • You take away 3 fruits
  • You count the 5 fruits left
  • So: 8 – 3 = 5
Example 2: You have 6 vines to climb. You climb 4 vines. How many vines are left?
  • You start with 6 vines
  • You climb 4 vines
  • You count 2 vines left
  • So: 6 – 4 = 2
Example 3: You find 9 hidden treasure chests. You open 5 chests. How many chests are still closed?
  • You start with 9 chests
  • You open 5 chests
  • You count 4 chests still closed
  • So: 9 – 5 = 4

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Jungle Rescue Mission You are on a jungle quest to rescue your friends who are trapped in a temple. You have 12 vines to cross. Each vine can only hold one person at a time.
  • 1st time: You cross 3 vines
  • 2nd time: You cross 2 more vines
  • 3rd time: You cross 4 more vines
  • 4th time: You cross 1 more vine
How many vines did you cross in total?
  • 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 = 10 vines crossed
How many vines are left to cross?
  • You started with 12 vines
  • You crossed 10 vines
  • 12 – 10 = 2 vines left
Challenge: If you have 15 bananas and eat 6 bananas, how many bananas are left? Answer: 15 – 6 = 9 bananas

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 7 – 3 = 4, but writing 7 – 3 = 10
  • Why it happens: Mixing up subtraction with addition
  • Fix: Count backwards from 7: 6, 5, 4. So 7 – 3 = 4
  • Mistake: Starting with the smaller number and taking away the bigger number
  • Why it happens: Not understanding which number is bigger
  • Fix: Always start with the bigger number in subtraction
  • Mistake: Forgetting to write the equals sign
  • Why it happens: Not remembering the number sentence format
  • Fix: Always write = between the subtraction and the answer

Parent and carer guide

You can help your child learn subtraction by:
  • Using everyday objects like toys, fruits, or buttons to show taking away
  • Playing subtraction games with simple number sentences
  • Reading storybooks with subtraction themes
  • Encouraging your child to explain how they solved a problem
  • Reinforcing that subtraction means "taking away" or "finding what is left"
How to help in 5 minutes:
  1. Give your child 10 counters or small toys
  2. Ask them to take away 3 and count how many are left
  3. Write the number sentence together: 10 – 3 = 7
  4. Repeat with different numbers
  5. Ask them to explain how they found the answer
What not to worry about:
  • Your child might make mistakes at first. That is normal!
  • They will get better with practice
  • Focus on understanding the idea, not just getting the right answer

Practice questions

  1. There are 10 birds on a tree. 4 birds fly away. How many birds are left?
  2. You have 12 stickers. You give 5 stickers to your friend. How many stickers do you have left?
  3. There are 15 flowers in the garden. 6 flowers are picked. How many flowers are left?
  4. There are 8 monkeys on a vine. 3 monkeys jump down. How many monkeys are still on the vine?
  5. You have 14 marbles. You lose 9 marbles. How many marbles do you have left?
Answers:
  1. 10 – 4 = 6 birds
  2. 12 – 5 = 7 stickers
  3. 15 – 6 = 9 flowers
  4. 8 – 3 = 5 monkeys
  5. 14 – 9 = 5 marbles

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is taking away or finding what is left after you take something away.

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

You always start with the bigger number because you are taking away a smaller amount.

Can I subtract a bigger number from a smaller number?

Yes, but the answer will be a negative number, which is a bit more advanced. For now, always start with the bigger number.

Why is subtraction important?

Subtraction helps you know how many things are left after you use or lose some. It is used in games, shopping, cooking, and everyday life.

How can I practice subtraction at home?

You can use toys, food, or drawings to practice taking away and counting what is left.