7 − 3 = 4
- Start with 7 counters. Move 3 away.
- Count the 4 that remain.
Learn
Subtraction finds what remains.
Start with a group, take some away, and count what is left.
Work it out together
12 − 5 = 7
- Start with 12. Move 2 away to reach 10.
- Move 3 more away; 7 remain.
The minus sign means a group gets smaller. You can move counters away or cross out part of a drawing. The answer is the part still there.
Keep track of what leaves
Move or cross out only the amount after the minus sign. Then count the counters still in the group.
A common mix-up
The amount you take away is not automatically the answer. Look for what remains.
Your turn
Choose the answer: 11 − 3 = ?