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Maths Adventures

Knight maths quest: subtraction

A story-led junior maths adventure using quests, shields and tournament scores to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.

Quick answer

Subtraction is about taking away or finding what is left. In a knight's quest, you might start with 12 shields and lose 5 in battle. You would use subtraction to find out how many shields are left: 12 - 5 = 7 shields.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve subtraction problems by taking away objects, counting backwards, or using number lines. You will know that subtraction helps you find what is left when something is taken away. Success signs:
  • You can take away objects and count how many are left
  • You can count backwards from a number to solve a subtraction problem
  • You can use a number line to jump back to solve subtraction
  • You can solve simple subtraction problems like 10 - 3 = 7

Why this matters

Subtraction helps knights and adventurers know how many items they have left after using or losing them. In real life, subtraction helps you know how much money you have left after spending, how many cookies are left after eating some, or how many friends are still playing after some leave. Subtraction is used in all sorts of jobs, like cooking, shopping, sports, and even video games!

How it works

Subtraction is the opposite of addition. Instead of joining groups together, you are taking groups away. You can think of subtraction in three ways:
  1. Take away: You start with some objects and take some away.
  2. Count backwards: You start at a number and count backwards to find the answer.
  3. Number line: You start at a number and jump backwards to find the answer.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are a knight on a quest! Here are some examples of subtraction in action: Example 1: Take away You have 8 golden coins and you give 3 to a helpful village. How many coins do you have left?
  • Start with 8 coins
  • Give away 3 coins
  • Count how many are left: 8 - 3 = 5 coins
Example 2: Count backwards You start with 10 apples and eat 4. What number do you count back to?
  • Start at 10
  • Count backwards: 9, 8, 7, 6
  • After 4 jumps back, you land on 6
  • So 10 - 4 = 6 apples
Example 3: Number line You are at 9 on the number line. You jump back 5 spaces.
  • Start at 9
  • Jump back 5 spaces: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4
  • You land on 4
  • So 9 - 5 = 4

Try it as a mini adventure

Knight's Quest: The Shield Rescue You are a brave knight on a quest to save 15 magical shields from a dragon. The dragon has already taken 6 shields. How many shields are left to rescue?
  1. Start with 15 shields
  2. Dragon takes 6 shields
  3. How many are left to rescue?
  4. Use any method you like: take away, count back, or jump on a number line
  5. Answer: 15 - 6 = 9 shields
Now try this challenge:
  • You start with 12 treasure chests
  • You find 3 more chests in the forest
  • You give 5 chests to your friend
  • How many chests do you have now?
Step-by-step solution:
  1. Start with 12 chests
  2. Find 3 more: 12 + 3 = 15 chests
  3. Give away 5 chests: 15 - 5 = 10 chests
  4. You have 10 chests now

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 8 - 3 = 5 but counting forward instead of backwards.
    Why it happens: Confusing addition with subtraction.
    Fix: Remember that subtraction means taking away, so count backwards or take objects away to check your answer.
  • Mistake: Starting at the wrong number on a number line.
    Why it happens: Not reading the problem carefully.
    Fix: Read the problem twice and identify the starting number and how many to take away.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the starting number when counting backwards.
    Why it happens: Rushing through the problem.
    Fix: Count carefully and include the starting number in your count.

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with subtraction can be fun and easy! Here are 5 ways to support your child:
  1. Use real objects: Count out 10 toys and take away 3. Ask how many are left.
  2. Count backwards together: Start at 10 and count back to solve 10 - 4.
  3. Draw number lines: Draw a line and have your child jump back to solve subtraction problems.
  4. Make it a game: Use a deck of cards - flip over two cards and subtract the smaller from the larger.
  5. Relate to daily life: "You had 8 cookies and ate 3. How many are left?"
Don't worry if your child makes mistakes - they're part of learning! The most important thing is that they understand the idea of taking away.

Practice questions

  1. There were 10 dragons in the cave. 4 flew away. How many dragons are left?
  2. Tommy had 15 gold coins. He spent 7 coins. How many coins does he have now?
  3. You start with 12 apples and eat 5. How many apples are left?
  4. There are 9 horses in the field. 3 run away. How many horses are left?
  5. Anna has 14 books. She gives 6 books to her sister. How many books does Anna have now?
Answers:
  1. 10 - 4 = 6 dragons
  2. 15 - 7 = 8 coins
  3. 12 - 5 = 7 apples
  4. 9 - 3 = 6 horses
  5. 14 - 6 = 8 books

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is the maths operation where you take something away from a group to find out how much is left.

How can I help my child learn subtraction?

You can use everyday situations like sharing snacks, counting toys, or playing games with numbers. Try counting backwards together or using number lines.

What are some real-life uses of subtraction?

Subtraction is used when you spend money, eat cookies, lose toys, or count how many friends are still playing.

Why is subtraction important?

Subtraction helps us understand how much is left after something is taken away. It's useful in daily life, school, and future maths learning.

How do I know if my child understands subtraction?

They can solve problems by taking away objects, counting backwards, or using number lines. They should be able to explain their thinking and check their answers.