We use ADDING when we increase or finish with more objects.
Example
Fatima has 3 teddies and her parents give her 2 more.
How many does she have now?
Answer
We work out 3 + 2 because she now has 3 teddies and 2 more.
3 + 2 = 5
She has 5 teddies now.
We use TAKING AWAY or SUBTRACTING when we decrease or finish with fewer objects.
Example
Fatima has 6 teddies and she gives 2 to her brother.
How many does she have now?
Answer
We work out 6 - 2 because she now has 2 teddies less than the 6 she started with.
6 - 2 = 4
She has 4 teddies now.