Start with a group. Take some away. Count what is left.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
The minus sign
We write it 5 − 2. The − means take away. It is the opposite job to the plus sign.
What is left
Five counters, take two away, and three stay. The three were there all along — they are just what did not leave.
The order matters here
5 − 2 and 2 − 5 are not the same. You cannot take five things out of a pile of two. Adding can be swapped; taking away cannot.
Adding undoes it
Take two away, then put two back, and you have five again. Subtraction and addition undo each other.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
How many
7 more would make 10.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Take Two Away
Mia has five biscuits and eats two.
- Step 1
She starts with five on the plate.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
The Ducks
Problem 1 of 1
Six ducks. Two swim away. How many are left?
How Many Are Left
1 of 4
5 − 1 = ?
2 of 4
7 − 3 = ?
3 of 4
4 − 4 = ?
4 of 4
9 − 0 = ?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 1
8 − 3 = ?
What You Learned
- Taking away leaves fewer.
- The − sign means take away.
- Count what is left.