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Scratchjr Maths

Where is subtraction hiding in ScratchJr hide and show?

Hide objects to ask how many are left.

Quick answer

In ScratchJr hide and show projects, subtraction happens when objects disappear. You can see how many are left by counting what's still there.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how hiding objects in ScratchJr shows subtraction, and you will be able to solve simple subtraction problems by counting what is left. Success signs:
  • You can explain that hiding an object is like taking away one
  • You can count how many objects are left after some are hidden
  • You can use words like "subtract", "take away", or "left" to describe what happens
  • You can make your own ScratchJr hide and show project

Why this matters

When you play with ScratchJr, you're not just making fun games – you're learning maths! In ScratchJr hide and show projects, you're using subtraction without even realising it. This helps you understand how numbers change when things go away. Whether you're sharing toys, eating cookies, or playing a game, subtraction helps you figure out how many are left. It's a powerful tool for solving problems in real life.

How it works

In ScratchJr, you can make objects appear and disappear. When you hide an object, you are subtracting one from the total number of objects. It's like this:
  1. Start with a set of objects (like 5 apples)
  2. Hide one object (like one apple)
  3. Count how many are left (4 apples)
  4. This shows 5 minus 1 equals 4
You can use this same idea to solve subtraction problems. If you start with 8 toys and hide 3, you have 5 left. That’s 8 minus 3 equals 5.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some real examples you can try in ScratchJr. Example 1: Apple Tree You make an apple tree with 6 apples. Then, you make one apple "hide". Now, count how many apples are left. That’s 6 minus 1 equals 5.
Apples on tree Apples hidden Apples left
6 1 5
6 2 4
6 3 3
Example 2: Balloons You start with 10 balloons. Each time you hide one, count how many are left.
  • 10 balloons – 1 balloon = 9 balloons
  • 9 balloons – 1 balloon = 8 balloons
  • 8 balloons – 1 balloon = 7 balloons
Example 3: Baking Cookies You're baking cookies and you have 12 cookies on the tray. If you eat 2 cookies, how many are left?
  • 12 cookies – 2 cookies = 10 cookies
You can make this in ScratchJr by:
  1. Putting 12 cookie sprites on the screen
  2. Using a "hide" command to take 2 away
  3. Counting the cookies left

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Magic Forest You are a brave explorer in a magic forest. You start with 10 shiny gems. As you walk through the forest, some gems disappear. You need to count how many gems you have left.
  1. Start with 10 gems
  2. Find a cave – 1 gem disappears
  3. Walk past a tree – 2 gems disappear
  4. Jump over a stream – 1 gem disappears
  5. Count how many gems are left
What do you think? How many gems do you have left?
  1. Start with 10 gems
  2. 1 gem disappears → 9 gems left
  3. 2 gems disappear → 7 gems left
  4. 1 gem disappears → 6 gems left
That’s 10 minus 1 minus 2 minus 1 equals 6 gems.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that hiding objects doesn’t change the number.
    Why it happens: Children sometimes don’t notice that objects are gone.
    Fix: Always count the objects again after hiding some.
  • Mistake: Confusing "how many are left" with "how many were hidden".
    Why it happens: Children get confused between the two parts of the problem.
    Fix: Use the phrase "left" and "hidden" to keep them separate in your mind.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count the total before hiding.
    Why it happens: Children jump straight to hiding and forget to start with a number.
    Fix: Always say the number of objects first before hiding any.

Parent and carer guide

If your child is learning about subtraction in ScratchJr, here’s how you can help:
  • Start with simple numbers like 3 or 5 objects
  • Ask questions like "How many are left?" after hiding
  • Use real-life examples like toys or snacks to show subtraction
  • Encourage your child to say the subtraction sentence out loud
  • Don’t worry if they make a mistake – it’s part of learning
You can also play the game together:
  1. Choose 5 toys
  2. Hide some toys under a box
  3. Ask your child to count how many are still visible
  4. Make a subtraction sentence like 5 minus 2 equals 3
This helps your child see subtraction in action and builds confidence.

Practice questions

  1. Start with 7 stars. Hide 2 stars. How many are left?
  2. You have 9 flowers. You hide 3. How many are left?
  3. There are 12 butterflies. 4 fly away. How many are left?
  4. Start with 10 birds. Hide 5. How many are left?
  5. You have 15 candies. You eat 6. How many are left?
Answers:
  1. 7 minus 2 equals 5
  2. 9 minus 3 equals 6
  3. 12 minus 4 equals 8
  4. 10 minus 5 equals 5
  5. 15 minus 6 equals 9

FAQ

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is when you take something away from a group. It shows how many are left.

How does hiding objects in ScratchJr show subtraction?

When you hide an object, it’s like taking it away. The number of objects left shows the answer to a subtraction problem.

Can I use subtraction with big numbers?

Yes! You can use subtraction with any number. Even 100 minus 20 equals 80.

Why is subtraction important?

Subtraction helps us figure out how many things are left after some are taken away. It's useful for sharing, saving, and solving problems.

Can I make subtraction games in ScratchJr?

Yes! You can make games where players hide and find objects, or where you take away points to see how many are left.