Cool Maths Zone
Subtraction Strategies for Beginners
1. Counting Back
Start with the first number and count backwards:
Example: 7 - 3
Start at 7, count back 3: 6, 5, 4
Answer: 4
7️⃣ ← 6️⃣, 5️⃣, 4️⃣
2. Using Objects
Remove objects from a group:
Example: 5 - 2
Start with 5 cookies 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
Take away 2 cookies 🍪🍪
Count remaining: 🍪🍪🍪
Answer: 3
🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪 - 🍪🍪 = 🍪🍪🍪
3. Number Line
Jump backward on a number line:
Example: 9 - 4
0---1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9
Start at 9 ← jump 4 ← land on 5
Answer: 5
[9]←(4)←[5]
4. Related Facts
Use addition facts you know:
Example: 10 - 7
Think: "7 + what = 10?"
7 + 3 = 10, so 10 - 7 = 3
Answer: 3
7️⃣ + ? = 10️⃣ → 3️⃣
5. Subtracting Zero
Special rule for subtracting zero:
Example: 8 - 0
Any number minus zero is itself
Answer: 8
8️⃣ - 0️⃣ = 8️⃣ (Magic!)