What is Subtraction?

Subtraction basically means taking away things from something, specially numbers, it is one of the basic arithmetic operation and is used to calculate the result or the difference between two countable things or numbers.

Subtraction helps in daily life, like counting how many items you have after giving some away.

Below some examples are provided for you to understand more about subtraction.

Subtraction Example #1

This visual representation can enhance the understanding of subtraction. Here you can visualize the concept:

Start at the number 5 on the number line.

To subtract 3, move 3 units to the left.

You land on 2, illustrating ( 5 - 3 = 2 ).

A number line is one of the simplest and most intuitive ways to visualize subtraction:

You can practice subtraction here with this amazing subtraction training board.

Subtraction Example #2

Remember the basic idea of subtraction.

Starting Amount: This is how many you have.

Take Away: This is how many you remove.

What's left: And this is how many you still have.

- Imagine a set of 5 apples:

- You eat 2 of them

- You then take away the apples you ate

Subtraction Example Using Apples (eaten)

- After removing two apples from the set, what remains?

- So, ( 5 - 2 = 3 ) :D

Parts Of Subtraction

The parts of subtraction are mainly 3 (minuend, subtrahend and difference), but we can also identify the subtraction sign and the carry-over section.

Minuend:

The number from which we subtract.

Subtrahend:

The number that is subtracted from the minuend.

Difference:

The final result of subtracting.

*Carry-over Section:

Although this section is not a proper part of subtraction, it's still useful to consider it as a part of it to help kids understand subtraction better.

Subtraction Symbol:

The sign that represents a subtraction process.

Subtraction With Regrouping (Borrowing)

Subtraction with regrouping is used when you subtract numbers using the vertical method and find that a digit in the subtrahend (the number being subtracted) is larger than the corresponding digit in the minuend (the number from which you're subtracting). In this case, we need to regroup, or borrow, from the next column to the left. This involves taking 1 from that column, reducing it by 1, and adding 10 to the current column to make the subtraction possible.

You must repeat this process for each column until you've completed the subtraction.

With our training board you can visualize the process of regrouping easily as depicted in the following pictures.

1) First we identify that ' 7 ' is greater than ' 5 '.

2) So we borrow a group of ' 10 ' from the next column, that means that in theory it is not longer ' 55 ', and now it is ' 45 '

3) Now that we have borrowed ' 10 ', we add ' 5 + 10 ', and it becomes as visualized on the picture ' 15 '

We then must find a number that when added to ' 7 ' equals ' 15 '

4) And finally....

And that's what subtraction with regrouping is! :)

Advice for teachers and parents

Using visual aids like number lines, set models, and other methods can significantly enhance understanding of subtraction. They allow learners or students to see the process of taking away, making the abstract concept more accessible. This multimodal approach fosters a deeper grasp of subtraction as both a numerical operation and a real-world concept.

Learn Subtraction -
For Kids

Practice subtraction skills