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subtraction

Subtraction as taking away

Use objects and stories to show removing part of a set.

Quick answer

Subtraction as taking away means removing some objects from a group to find how many are left. You can use your hands, toys, or drawings to show this.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that subtraction means taking away some items from a group and finding how many are left. Success signs:
  • You can use objects to show taking away
  • You can draw pictures to show subtraction
  • You can solve simple subtraction problems
  • You can explain subtraction using real-life examples

Why this matters

Subtraction is one of the most important maths skills you will learn. It helps you work out how many things you have left after using some. You use subtraction every day when you eat some cookies, share toys, or count how many friends are left at a party. It also helps you understand bigger maths ideas later, like division and negative numbers.

How it works

Subtraction is about taking away some things from a group. Here’s how to think about it:
  1. Start with a group of things (like 5 apples)
  2. Take away some of those things (like 2 apples)
  3. Count how many are left (like 3 apples)
This is written like: 5 - 2 = 3 You can also think of it as "how many more do I need to take away to get to zero?" For example, if you have 5 apples and take away 3, you have 2 left. If you take away 2 more, you have 0 left.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some simple examples using things you can see and touch: Example 1: Counting with toys You have 7 toy cars. You give 3 to your friend. How many do you have left?
  • Start with 7 cars
  • Take away 3 cars
  • Count how many are left: 4 cars
So, 7 - 3 = 4 Example 2: Drawing subtraction You draw 6 stars. You cross out 2 stars. How many stars are left?
  • Draw 6 stars
  • Take away 2 stars
  • Count the stars left: 4 stars
So, 6 - 2 = 4 Example 3: Sharing food You have 10 biscuits. You eat 4 biscuits. How many are left?
  • Start with 10 biscuits
  • Eat 4 biscuits
  • Count how many are left: 6 biscuits
So, 10 - 4 = 6

Try it as a mini adventure

The Great Cookie Hunt You are on a mission to find cookies in your house. You start with 8 cookies in the jar. You eat 3 cookies during your hunt. Then you find 2 more cookies in the kitchen. You eat 1 more cookie. How many cookies do you have now?
  1. Start with 8 cookies
  2. Eat 3 cookies: 8 - 3 = ?
  3. Find 2 more cookies: ? + 2 = ?
  4. Eat 1 more cookie: ? - 1 = ?
Let’s solve this step by step:
  1. Start with 8 cookies
  2. Eat 3 cookies: 8 - 3 = 5 cookies
  3. Find 2 more cookies: 5 + 2 = 7 cookies
  4. Eat 1 more cookie: 7 - 1 = 6 cookies
You have 6 cookies now. Mini challenge: Can you make up your own cookie adventure with subtraction?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 5 - 2 = 7
    Why it happens: Mixing up the numbers or confusing subtraction with addition.
    Fix: Use fingers or objects to count backwards. 5, 4, 3. So 5 - 2 = 3.
  • Mistake: Subtracting the smaller number from the bigger one in the wrong order
    Why it happens: Not understanding that order matters in subtraction.
    Fix: Always take away the smaller number from the bigger one. 9 - 4 = 5, not 4 - 9.
  • Mistake: Forgetting that taking away zero means no change
    Why it happens: Thinking that subtracting zero is the same as adding zero.
    Fix: Remember that 5 - 0 = 5, because you are not taking anything away.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child learn subtraction as taking away by:
  • Using everyday items like toys, food, or coins to show subtraction
  • Encouraging your child to count backwards when subtracting
  • Playing simple subtraction games, like "how many are left?"
  • Reading subtraction stories together
  • Letting your child draw pictures to show subtraction
  • Reassuring them that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them
It's important to be patient. Some children need more time to understand the idea of taking away. Keep it fun and keep practicing!

Practice questions

  1. There are 6 balloons. 2 balloons pop. How many are left?
  2. You have 9 crayons. You give 4 to your friend. How many do you have now?
  3. There are 10 birds on a tree. 3 fly away. How many are left?
  4. You start with 7 stickers. You use 5 stickers. How many are left?
  5. There are 12 pencils. You lose 3. How many are left?
Answers:
  1. 6 - 2 = 4
  2. 9 - 4 = 5
  3. 10 - 3 = 7
  4. 7 - 5 = 2
  5. 12 - 3 = 9

FAQ

What is subtraction as taking away?

Subtraction as taking away means removing some objects from a group and counting how many are left.

How can I help my child with subtraction at home?

You can use toys, food, or drawings to show subtraction. Ask questions like "How many are left?" and let your child solve it with objects or drawings.

Is subtraction the same as addition?

No, addition means adding more to a group, while subtraction means taking away from a group.

Can I subtract a bigger number from a smaller one?

Yes, but the result will be a negative number. For example, 3 - 5 = -2. This is more advanced maths for older children.

Why do we need to learn subtraction?

Subtraction helps you figure out how many things you have left after using some. It’s useful for sharing, saving, cooking, and many other daily activities.