Subtraction

What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction is one of the four main ways we work with numbers. The other three are addition, multiplication, and division. Subtraction means taking things away from a group.

How Does It Work?

Let’s say you have 5 peaches. If you take away 2 peaches, you will have 3 left. We write this as 5 − 2 = 3. The “−” symbol is called the minus sign. The answer, 3, is called the difference.

Fun With Numbers

Subtraction is like the opposite of addition. If you subtract a number and then add the same number back, you get the number you started with. For example, if 5 − 2 = 3, then 3 + 2 = 5.

Learning Subtraction

People learn subtraction in school in different ways. Some places teach a method called “borrowing.” Others use a method called the “Austrian method.” Both help make subtraction easier to understand. Teachers often use special marks to help students remember the steps.

Subtraction helps us understand how numbers change and work together. It is a useful skill for many things, like sharing toys or counting money!