Maths Adventures
Treehouse maths quest: subtraction
A story-led junior maths adventure using ladders, plans and height measurements to work out what is left after trades, rescues or escapes.
Quick answer
Subtraction is when you take away one number from another to find what is left. In a Treehouse maths quest, you might need to subtract to work out how many ladders are left after some are used, or how high you still need to climb after you've already gone up some steps.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use subtraction to solve problems in a Treehouse maths quest, like working out how many items are left, how much higher you still need to climb, or how many more steps you need to take to reach your goal. Success signs:- You can subtract numbers using objects or drawings
- You can solve simple subtraction word problems
- You can use subtraction to find how much is left after something is taken away
- You can use subtraction to find how far you still need to go to reach a goal
Why this matters
Subtraction helps you work out how much is left after something is taken away. In a Treehouse maths quest, you might need to subtract to find how many ladders are left, how much higher you still need to climb, or how many steps you still have to take to reach your goal. You use subtraction every day when you eat some cookies, or when you're counting down the minutes until your birthday.How it works
Subtraction is like taking away. When you have a number and you take something away, you use subtraction. It is the opposite of addition. Step 1: Start with a number (the bigger number). Step 2: Take away a smaller number. Step 3: Find out how much is left. You can show subtraction with:- Objects like counters or blocks
- Drawings or pictures
- A number line
- Number sentences like 10 - 3 = 7
Examples you can see
Let's imagine you're on a Treehouse maths quest and you find a ladder with 12 steps. You climb up 5 steps. How many steps are left to climb? Method 1: Counting with blocks - Start with 12 blocks (these are your steps) - Take away 5 blocks (these are the steps you climbed) - Count how many blocks are left: 7 blocks Method 2: Drawing a picture - Draw 12 steps - Cross out 5 steps - Count how many are left: 7 steps Method 3: Using a number line - Start at 12 - Jump back 5 steps - You land on 7 Method 4: Writing a number sentence - 12 - 5 = 7 Let's try another example. You have 15 ladders in your treehouse. You give 6 ladders to your friend. How many ladders do you have left? - 15 - 6 = 9Try it as a mini adventure
Treehouse Rescue Mission You are on a Treehouse maths quest to rescue your friend who is stuck in a treehouse. You have a rope ladder with 20 steps. You climb up 7 steps to reach the first platform. How many more steps do you need to climb to reach the top? Step 1: Start with 20 steps (total steps) Step 2: You climb up 7 steps Step 3: Subtract: 20 - 7 = 13 You still need to climb 13 more steps to reach your friend! Challenge: If you climb 3 more steps, how many steps are left? Answer: 13 - 3 = 10 steps left Mini adventure: 1st time: You climb 7 steps 2nd time: You climb 3 more steps 3rd time: How many steps are left? Answer: 20 - 7 - 3 = 10 steps leftCommon mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking 10 - 3 = 13 Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition Fix: Remember subtraction means take away. 10 - 3 = 7
- Mistake: Starting with the smaller number Why it happens: Not understanding that the bigger number goes first Fix: Always start with the larger number in subtraction
- Mistake: Forgetting to count backwards on a number line Why it happens: Not using the number line properly Fix: Move backwards on the number line when subtracting
- Mistake: Mixing up the order of numbers in a problem Why it happens: Not reading the problem carefully Fix: Read the problem twice and underline key numbers
Parent and carer guide
Subtraction is a key skill that helps children understand how numbers work. You can help by:- Using everyday situations to practice subtraction (e.g., "You had 10 cookies, you ate 3, how many are left?")
- Encouraging your child to use objects like counters or blocks to solve problems
- Playing subtraction games like "Countdown" or "Subtraction Bingo"
- Practising with simple number sentences
- Using visual aids like drawings or number lines to help understand the concept
- "Let's count how many are left"
- "Can you show me with your hands?"
- "What happens when we take some away?"
- "Try drawing a picture to help"
- Your child might make mistakes at first - that's normal
- They might not know all the subtraction facts yet - that's okay
- It's okay to use visual aids or physical objects to help
Practice questions
- There are 12 apples on the tree. You pick 5 apples. How many apples are left?
- You have 18 building blocks. You use 9 blocks to build a tower. How many blocks are left?
- Your friend has 14 toy cars. You give 6 toy cars to your sister. How many toy cars does your friend have now?
- You are climbing a treehouse ladder with 20 steps. You have climbed 11 steps. How many more steps do you need to climb?
- You have 16 stickers. You give 7 stickers to your brother. How many stickers do you have left?
- 12 - 5 = 7 apples
- 18 - 9 = 9 blocks
- 14 - 6 = 8 toy cars
- 20 - 11 = 9 steps
- 16 - 7 = 9 stickers
FAQ
What is subtraction?
Subtraction is when you take one number away from another to find what is left.
How do I know when to use subtraction?
You use subtraction when something is taken away or when you want to find how much is left.
Can I use subtraction with big numbers?
Yes! You can subtract any numbers, even large ones. You can use objects, drawings, or number lines to help.
What are some real-life examples of subtraction?
Examples include: eating cookies, counting down the minutes until something happens, or sharing toys with friends.
How can I practice subtraction at home?
You can practice by using everyday situations, drawing pictures, using objects like counters, or playing subtraction games.