Subtraction is the taking of one number or amount away from another.
It is the opposite of addition.
Example
Look at this subtraction.
10 - 4 = ?
Answer
Start at 10 and count 4 backwards.
You can use the number line to help you count.
10 - 4 = 6
If you use the number line, you start at the number 10 and move 4 places to the left. The number you reach is 6.
Remember that you always move to the left on a number line when you are subtracting.
Let's try another one.
Example
16 - 5 = ?
Answer
Start at 16 on the number line and count 5 places to the left. What number do you reach? It's 11.
16 - 5 = 11
Does that make sense?
Let's move on to some questions now.