What is Subtraction?
Counting “how far apart two numbers are” and “how much is left.” The process of removing a part(s) from a whole.
Subtraction is the process of taking one number away from another. It helps us figure out how much is left, how far apart two numbers are, or how many remain after part of a group is removed. For example:
- If you have 10 apples and you give away 3, you can use subtraction to find out how many are left: 10 – 3 = 7.
- If one person is 15 years old and another is 10 years old, you can subtract to find the age difference: 15 – 10 = 5.
Subtraction is one of the four basic operations in math, along with addition, multiplication, and division. We use it in everyday life to:
- Find the difference in height or age between two people
- Calculate how much money is left after spending some
- Measure how many points a team needs to catch up in a game
When Do Students Learn About Subtraction?
Students are introduced to subtraction in early elementary school. They begin with basic concepts of "taking away" and gradually move on to more complex problems.
Preschool & Kindergarten – Introduction to Subtraction
Students learn the basic idea of taking objects away from a group and understanding “how many are left.”
Grades 1–2 – Building Subtraction Skills
Students practice subtracting single-digit and double-digit numbers. They also solve word problems and learn to recognize subtraction as the opposite of addition.
Grades 3–5 – Mastering Subtraction
Students work with larger numbers, regrouping (borrowing), and solving multi-step word problems involving subtraction.
