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Key Point: minuend − subtrahend = difference (for example, 7 − 2 = 5)
Subtraction is a basic math operation that tells us how many are left when some items are taken away. We use subtraction to find the difference between two numbers. In subtraction we use three words: minuend (the number we start with), subtrahend (the number we take away), and difference (what remains).
Ways to do subtraction (suitable for Class 1):
Simple rules to remember: subtracting 0 leaves the number unchanged (for example 5 − 0 = 5) and subtracting a number from itself gives zero (for example 4 − 4 = 0). Subtraction is the reverse (inverse) of addition: if 7 − 3 = 4, then 4 + 3 = 7.
Key Point: Minuend - Subtrahend = Difference (start - take away = left).
What is subtraction? Subtraction means taking away some objects from a group and finding how many are left. For Class 1, we use real objects and pictures to show the idea in a simple way.
How to do subtraction with objects and pictures (simple steps):strong>
Words you may meet: minuend (start number), subtrahend (number taken away), difference (what is left). For Class 1, use simple language: "start", "take away", "left".
Using pictures: Draw the total number of items (for example, 6 apples). Cross out the number to take away (for example, cross out 2 apples). Count the pictures still not crossed out (4 apples left). Write the number sentence: 6 - 2 = 4.
Using fingers or objects: Show 5 fingers, fold down 2 fingers, count the fingers left (3). This helps children connect numbers and physical action.
Tip: Always ask the child to say the story: "I had __, I took away __, now I have __ left." This builds understanding beyond rote answers.
Key Point: a − b = c (minuend − subtrahend = difference)
What is subtraction? Subtraction means taking away some objects from a group to find how many are left.
Subtraction symbol (−) and equals sign (=)
The minus sign (−) tells us to take away. The equals sign (=) shows the answer or result.
Number sentence
A number sentence is a short math sentence that uses numbers, the subtraction sign and the equals sign. For example: 7 − 3 = 4. This is read as “seven minus three equals four” or “seven take away three is four.”
Parts of a subtraction number sentence
- Minuend: the first number (the number you start with).
- Subtrahend: the number taken away.
- Difference: the answer (what is left).
In 7 − 3 = 4: minuend = 7, subtrahend = 3, difference = 4.
How to solve
1. Count the total (minuend).
2. Take away the subtrahend (cross out or move objects).
3. Count what remains (difference).
Tip for checking: add the difference and the subtrahend; you should get the minuend (difference + subtrahend = minuend).
Key Point: Minuend − Subtrahend = Difference (e.g., 7 − 3 = 4)
What is Subtraction? Subtraction is a basic arithmetic operation that means taking away from a starting number to find how many are left.
Main terms used in subtraction (simple class 1 language):
How to do subtraction (simple steps for Class 1):
Special simple facts:
Connection to addition (useful to check answers): After subtraction, you can check the result by adding the difference and the subtrahend. If sum equals the minuend, the subtraction is correct: Difference + Subtrahend = Minuend.
Key Point: Minuend − Subtrahend = Difference (a − b = c)
What it means: Counting back on a number line is a simple way to do subtraction. You start at a number (the minuend) and move left (backwards) step by step the number of times equal to what you want to subtract (the subtrahend). The number you land on is the difference.
Steps to follow:
Example in one sentence: To find 7 − 3, start at 7 and count back 3 steps: 6, 5, 4, so 7 − 3 = 4.
Key tips for children:
Key Point: a − b = c (minuend − subtrahend = difference)
Subtraction means taking away some objects from a group and finding how many are left. We use our fingers as a simple and fun tool to do subtraction in Class 1.
How to do subtraction using fingers (step-by-step):
Tips: Use one or both hands to show numbers up to 10. Count slowly while folding fingers so the child sees the 'taking away' action. Explain that subtraction is the opposite of addition (if 3 + 2 = 5, then 5 − 2 = 3).
Key Point: Difference = Minuend − Subtrahend (e.g., difference = 7 − 3 = 4).
What is subtraction? Subtraction means ‘taking away’ or finding how many are left. In Class 1 we learn subtraction facts where the numbers involved are 0 to 10. These are simple statements like 7 − 3 = 4, which read: if you take 3 away from 7, 4 remain.
Key ideas:
Methods children use:
Special simple facts to remember: a − 0 = a (nothing taken away), a − a = 0 (all taken away). Practise all subtraction pairs with answers between 0 and 10 (for example 10 − 6 = 4, 8 − 5 = 3).
Key Point: a - 0 = a
What subtraction means: Subtraction is taking away. When we subtract, we remove some objects from a group and see how many are left.
Subtracting zero: If you take away zero objects, nothing is removed. So the number stays the same. Example: 5 - 0 = 5. In words: "Five take away zero is five."
Subtracting the same number: When you take away a number from itself, everything is removed and nothing is left. The result is zero. Example: 7 - 7 = 0. In words: "Seven take away seven is zero."
How to show it to children:
Simple rules (easy to remember):
Key Point: a - b = c (standard subtraction)
What are Missing Number Problems?
In subtraction, a missing number problem is an equation where one number is hidden (shown as a blank or a question mark). There are three kinds of missing numbers:
How to solve them (simple steps for Class 1):
Simple example explanations:
Teaching tip: Always let children use real objects and draw pictures first. Move to number lines and short written methods after they understand the idea.
Key Point: Minuend − Subtrahend = Difference (e.g., 7 − 3 = 4)
What are simple word problems in subtraction?
Simple subtraction word problems tell a short story about some objects or people where some are taken away and we must find how many are left. They use small numbers and clear actions such as "gave", "took away", "ate", "left", "lost".
How to solve them (easy steps):
Tips for Class 1 children: Use real objects (fruits, toys), draw pictures and cross out the taken-away objects, or use fingers to count back. Keep numbers small and stories familiar.
Key Point: a - b = c (minuend - subtrahend = difference)
What this topic covers
Practice Exercises and Activities for Subtraction help Class 1 children understand subtraction as "taking away" or finding how many are left. Exercises use objects, pictures, number lines and simple word problems so children learn by doing and seeing.
How to teach and solve
Types of practice activities
Teaching tips
Key Point: a − b = c (The result c is called the difference.)
What is Assessment and Revision?
Assessment and Revision in Class 1 subtraction means checking what children have learned about taking away (subtracting) and helping them practise so they become confident. Assessment finds out which subtraction facts a child knows and which need more work. Revision gives short, repeated practice using objects, pictures and number lines so the child remembers how to subtract.
How to assess and revise subtraction (simple steps):
Revision methods that work for Class 1:
Important points to teach and check: