SSAT Elementary Level Quantitative (Math)

This subject covers foundational quantitative skills and concepts for elementary-level students preparing for the SSAT.

Basic Concepts

Basic Operations: Addition and Subtraction

Adding and Subtracting

Addition means putting things together, and subtraction means taking things away.

Addition

When you add, you combine two or more numbers to find the total. You can add in any order—this is called the commutative property.

Subtraction

Subtraction is finding out how much is left after taking some away. Subtraction is not commutative, so the order matters!

Using Tools

You can use number lines, counters, or even your fingers to help you add or subtract.

Life Skills

Whether you’re sharing snacks with friends or figuring out how many stickers you have left, addition and subtraction are skills you’ll use every day!

Examples

  • If you have 8 apples and get 3 more, you have \( 8 + 3 = 11 \) apples.

  • If you have 12 candies and eat 4, you have \( 12 - 4 = 8 \) candies left.

In a Nutshell

Addition puts numbers together; subtraction takes them apart.

Key Terms

Commutative Property
A property of addition where the order does not change the sum.
Difference
The answer to a subtraction problem.