When some go away, you subtract. We write 7 − 2.
Minus (−) means take some away.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Count what is left
Cross off the ones that go. Then count the rest.
7 take away 2 makes 5.
You had
Went away
Order matters here
5 − 2 and 2 − 5 are not the same. You cannot take five out of a pile of two. Addition can be swapped; subtraction cannot.
What is left was always there
The three that stay were never touched. Subtraction does not change them — it only removes their neighbours.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
8 take away 3 makes 5.
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Ben Take Some Away
Ben has 8 grapes. He eats 3.
- Step 1
He starts with 8.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Balloons
Problem 1 of 1
There are 9 balloons. 4 pop. How many are left?
What Is Left?
Take away and count what remains.
1 of 2
6 − 2 = ?
2 of 2
10 − 3 = ?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
7 − 3 = ?
Question 2 of 2
5 − 1 = ?
What You Learned
- Taking away is subtracting.
- The minus sign means some go away.
- Count what is left, not what went.