Subtraction is taking away one number from another.
Let's review three ways to subtract.
Subtraction is like counting down.
Start with 6 and count down 4 times.
Another way to subtract is to use addition!
Subtraction is the opposite of addition.
Think about it: If you subtract 4 from a number, you can add 4 again to get back where you started.
6 - 4 = 2
2 + 4 = 6
So if you know addition, you already pretty much know subtraction!
For example, to solve...
7 - 3 = ?
... just ask yourself what number plus 3 equals 7?
? + 3 = 7
Do you know? It's 4!
Let’s try it.
8 - 2 = ____
We draw 8 counters:
Let’s take away two of them.
How many do we have left?
We have 6 left!
Drawing pictures works, but it's a bit slow. 🐢
The best way to subtract one-digit numbers is to have the answers memorized, just like with addition.
So if someone asks:
What's 8 - 3?
... you should be able to answer 5 in a flash, without even thinking! ⚡️
It just takes a bit of practice. 😺
Luckily, there's a wonderful practice below for exactly that!
It will help you master your subtraction facts in a flash. 🥳