Pirate maths quest: subtraction

Quick answer

Subtraction is like taking away or finding out what is left. In a pirate quest, you might start with 12 treasure chests and lose 5 on a stormy sea, leaving you with 7 chests.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use subtraction to find out what is left when you take away some items from a group. You will be able to solve simple subtraction problems using objects, drawings, and numbers.

• You can take away items from a group and count how many are left
• You can use subtraction to solve story problems
• You can write subtraction sentences like 10 - 3 = 7
• You can solve subtraction problems with numbers up to 20

Why this matters

Subtraction helps pirates and everyone else know how many things are left after using some. When a pirate has 15 gold coins and spends 7 on supplies, they need to know they have 8 coins left. Subtraction helps you solve puzzles, plan journeys, and manage your pocket money.

In games, subtraction helps you track lives, score points, and figure out how many items you need. In real life, it helps you know if you have enough food for a picnic or how many cookies are left after sharing.

How it works

Subtraction means taking something away from a group. It is the opposite of addition. We use subtraction when we want to know what is left after some items are used, lost, or given away.

1. Start with a number of items (the bigger number)
2. Take away some items (the smaller number)
3. Count how many items are left

For example, if you have 8 pirates and 3 go on a rescue mission, you subtract 3 from 8 to find out how many pirates are left on the ship.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine a pirate ship with 10 treasure chests. The captain decides to give 4 chests to the first mate. How many chests are left on the ship?

• Start with 10 chests
• Take away 4 chests
• Count the remaining chests: 10 - 4 = 6

Here's another example using a pirate's supplies:

Another example using pirates and treasure:

• There are 18 coins in a chest
• 5 coins are taken out to pay the crew
• How many coins are left in the chest? 18 - 5 = 13 coins

You can also use a number line to help:

Start at 12, move back 5 steps: 12 - 5 = 7

Draw 12 pirates, cross out 5, count the rest: 12 - 5 = 7

Try it as a mini adventure

Join Captain Redbeard on a pirate quest! You and your crew have 15 treasure maps. During a storm, 6 maps are lost in the waves. What do you do next?

1. Start with 15 treasure maps
2. Subtract the 6 maps that were lost: 15 - 6 = ?
3. How many maps do you have left?

Now, you find 4 more maps in a cave. What happens to your total?

• You had 9 maps
• You found 4 more maps
• But you need to subtract 2 maps for the ship's crew
• How many maps do you have now? 9 + 4 - 2 = ?

Let's go on a treasure hunt! You start with 12 gold coins. You spend 5 coins on a new sword. Then you find 3 more coins. How many coins do you have now?

• Start with 12 coins
• Subtract 5 coins for sword: 12 - 5 = 7 coins
• Add 3 coins found: 7 + 3 = 10 coins

Can you solve this challenge? You have 14 bottles of rum. You give 6 bottles to your first mate. Then you drink 3 bottles yourself. How many bottles are left?

• Start with 14 bottles
• Give away 6 bottles: 14 - 6 = 8 bottles
• Drink 3 bottles: 8 - 3 = 5 bottles

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 10 - 3 = 13 instead of 7
  Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition
  Fix: Use counters or draw the items to see what happens when you take some away
• Mistake: Starting with the smaller number and subtracting the bigger number
  Why it happens: Not understanding the order of subtraction
  Fix: Always start with the bigger number and take away the smaller number
• Mistake: Forgetting to write the minus sign
  Why it happens: Not paying attention to symbols
  Fix: Practice writing the subtraction sentence carefully and check your symbols
• Mistake: Counting forward instead of backward when subtracting
  Why it happens: Confusing the direction of subtraction
  Fix: Use a number line or count backwards with fingers

Parent and carer guide

Help your child practice subtraction with everyday items like toys, snacks, or coins. Ask questions like:

• How many cookies were there before you ate 3?
• If you had 10 pencils and gave 4 to your friend, how many do you have now?
• Can you show me how to take away 5 from 12 using your fingers?

Use real-life situations to make subtraction fun:

• Shopping: If you have £10 and spend £3, how much do you have left?
• Cooking: If you have 8 eggs and use 5 for a recipe, how many are left?
• Games: If you start with 15 points and lose 6, how many points do you have?

Encourage your child to draw pictures or use objects to solve subtraction problems. Don't worry if they make mistakes - they are learning!

Keep practice short and fun. Try to make it part of daily life rather than a separate activity.

Practice questions

1. There are 12 pirates on the ship. 4 go to fetch water. How many pirates are left?
2. Jack has 15 coins. He spends 6 on a new hat. How many coins does he have left?
3. There were 18 apples in the basket. 7 were eaten. How many apples are left?
4. There are 20 bottles of rum. 9 are used for the crew. How many bottles are left?
5. There are 14 treasure chests. 5 are buried on the island. How many chests are still on the ship?

Answers:

1. 12 - 4 = 8 pirates
2. 15 - 6 = 9 coins
3. 18 - 7 = 11 apples
4. 20 - 9 = 11 bottles
5. 14 - 5 = 9 chests

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is the process of taking away some items from a group. It tells us how many are left after some have been used, lost, or given away.

Why do we need subtraction?

Subtraction helps us know how much is left when we use or lose things. It is useful in everyday life, like knowing how much money we have left after spending some, or how many cookies are left after sharing.

How can I practice subtraction?

You can practice subtraction by using objects like toys or counters, drawing pictures, using a number line, or solving story problems. Try to find subtraction in your daily life!

What is the opposite of subtraction?

The opposite of subtraction is addition. While subtraction takes away, addition adds more to a group.

How can I help my child with subtraction?

Help by using real-life examples, practicing with everyday items, drawing pictures, and encouraging your child to explain their thinking. Make it fun and not stressful!