Basic Arithmetic

Basic Arithmetic covers fundamental mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

AdditionSubtractionMultiplicationDivision
Order of OperationsWord ProblemsProperties of OperationsInverse Operations
Shopping and Making ChangeCooking and MeasuringPlanning and Time Management
Estimation and Mental MathShowing Your Work and Double-CheckingBreaking Down Problems
AdditionSubtractionMultiplicationDivisionOrder of OperationsWord ProblemsProperties of Operat...Inverse OperationsShopping and Making ...Cooking and Measurin...Planning and Time Ma...Estimation and Menta...Showing Your Work an...Breaking Down Proble...
Basic Concepts

Subtraction

What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction is taking away. Imagine sharing cookies with your friends—when you give some away, you’re subtracting. The symbol for subtraction is \( - \).

How to Subtract

  • Start with the total number.
  • Take away the amount you need.
  • The number left is your answer!

Tips for Subtracting

  • You can count backwards.
  • Use objects to help you see what’s left.

Why Subtraction Is Useful

  • Finding out how much money you have after buying something
  • Figuring out how many pages are left in a book
  • Knowing how many cookies are left after sharing

Examples

  • 7 - 4 = 3

  • If you have 10 candies and give 6 away, you have 10 - 6 = 4 candies left.

In a Nutshell

Subtraction helps you find out what remains after taking something away.

Key Terms

Difference
The answer to a subtraction problem.
Minuend
The number you start with in subtraction.
Subtrahend
The number you subtract from the minuend.
Next
Multiplication