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Maths Adventures

Superhero maths quest: subtraction

A story-led junior maths adventure using rescues, speed and city maps to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.

Quick answer

Subtraction is like taking away or finding what's left. When superheroes rescue people or save the city, they are using subtraction to work out how many are left after some have been saved or removed.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to use subtraction to find what's left after something has been taken away, and you'll be able to solve superhero-style subtraction problems. Success signs:
  • You can subtract numbers up to 20
  • You can solve story problems using subtraction
  • You can use objects or drawings to show subtraction
  • You can find the difference between two numbers

Why this matters

Subtraction is used everywhere! Superheroes use it to find out how many people are still in danger, how much time is left before a big explosion, or how many villains are left after a battle. In real life, you use subtraction when you share cookies with friends, count how many toys are left after playing, or work out how much money you have after buying something.

How it works

Subtraction means taking away or finding what remains. It is the opposite of addition. When you have a group of things and take some away, subtraction helps you find how many are left. To subtract:
  1. Start with a number (the bigger number)
  2. Take away some (the smaller number)
  3. Count or calculate how many are left

Examples you can see

Let's imagine a superhero rescue mission: Example 1: Rescue Mission Superhero Mia starts with 12 people in the tall building. She saves 5 people. How many people are still in danger? We take away 5 from 12: 12 - 5 = 7 There are 7 people still in danger. Example 2: Speed Challenge The villain is 20 miles away from the city. The superhero flies at 5 miles per hour. How far is the villain from the city after 3 hours? We need to subtract how far the superhero flew: 5 miles/hour × 3 hours = 15 miles flown 20 miles - 15 miles = 5 miles The villain is 5 miles away. Example 3: City Map The city map shows 15 fire stations. 7 have been destroyed by the villain. How many fire stations are still standing? 15 - 7 = 8 There are 8 fire stations still standing.

Try it as a mini adventure

Superhero Rescue Mission You are a superhero on a mission to save the city! Here's your challenge: 1st time: You start with 12 people trapped in the building. You save 4 people. How many are left? 2nd time: You find 8 flying villains. 3 are captured. How many are still flying? 3rd time: The villain has 15 bombs. You destroy 6 bombs. How many are still active? 4th time: You have 20 energy points. You use 7 points to save someone. How many points do you have left? 5th time: The city has 18 bridges. 5 are destroyed. How many bridges are still safe to cross?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 10 - 3 = 3
    Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition
    Fix: Count backwards from 10: 10, 9, 8, 7. So 10 - 3 = 7
  • Mistake: Starting with the smaller number
    Why it happens: Not understanding that we take away from the bigger number
    Fix: Always start with the bigger number in your subtraction problem
  • Mistake: Not knowing the subtraction facts
    Why it happens: Not practicing enough
    Fix: Practice with number lines, counters, or drawing pictures
  • Mistake: Forgetting to check your answer
    Why it happens: Rushing through problems
    Fix: Add your answer back to the number you took away to see if you get the original number

Parent and carer guide

Help your child practice subtraction with everyday examples:
  • Count how many toys are left after playing
  • Use a number line to show subtraction
  • Practice with objects like counters, blocks, or food
  • Ask your child to explain how they solved a subtraction problem
  • Encourage them to check their work by adding the answer back to the number taken away
It's normal for children to make mistakes. Don't worry if they get confused at first. Subtraction takes practice. Be patient and celebrate small wins.

Practice questions

  1. There are 15 birds in a tree. 6 fly away. How many are left?
  2. Superhero Sam has 18 energy points. He uses 9 points. How many points does he have left?
  3. There are 14 cars in the parking lot. 5 leave. How many cars are still there?
  4. There are 16 balloons. 7 pop. How many balloons are left?
  5. There are 20 books on the shelf. 11 are taken away. How many books are left?
Answers:
  1. 15 - 6 = 9 birds
  2. 18 - 9 = 9 energy points
  3. 14 - 5 = 9 cars
  4. 16 - 7 = 9 balloons
  5. 20 - 11 = 9 books

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is when you take away some things from a group. It helps you find how many are left.

Why do we use subtraction?

We use subtraction in many situations, like sharing food, counting how many toys are left, or working out how much money we have after spending some.

How can I practice subtraction?

You can practice by using objects like counters or blocks, drawing pictures, using number lines, or solving story problems.

What is the opposite of subtraction?

The opposite of subtraction is addition. When you add, you combine groups. When you subtract, you take them away.

How can I help my child with subtraction?

Use everyday examples, practice with hands-on objects, encourage them to explain their thinking, and celebrate their efforts even if they make mistakes.