Grade 1

What is subtraction?

subtraction

Taking one amount away from another to find what is left.

For example

Take 2 eggs from the 6 in the bowl: subtraction leaves 4.

In Grade 1

Children take real objects away and count what is left, so subtraction is seen before it is written.

Watch out for

Children often think subtraction always means counting back one at a time. Sometimes finding the difference between the two numbers is quicker.

Say it at home

Take a few things off a plate and ask how many are left, before counting to check.

Younger children may meet this as: taking away.

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