Subtraction is the taking of one number or amount away from another.
It is the opposite of addition.
Example
Look at this subtraction.
10 - 7 = ?
Answer
Start at 10 and count 7 backwards.
You can use the number line to help you count.
10 - 7 = 3
If you use the number line, you start at the number 10 and move 7 places to the left. The number you reach is 3.
Remember that you always move to the left on a number line when you are subtracting.
Let's try another one.
16 - 8 = ?
Start at 16 on the number line and count 8 places to the left. What number do you reach? It's 8.
16 - 8 = 8
Does that make sense?
Let's have a go at some questions now.
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Teacher explanation