Introduction to Subtraction

Subtraction is one of the fundamental operations in arithmetic, introduced to students in Class I. It is the process of taking away a number or quantity from another. When we subtract, we find out how much is left, how many are taken away, or what the difference is between two numbers.

For young learners, subtraction is more than just memorizing facts. It is the foundation for understanding how numbers relate to each other. Students are introduced to subtraction using visual aids, objects, real-life examples, and storytelling to make it engaging and relatable.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of subtraction as "taking away" and "finding the difference."
• Subtract numbers up to 20 using pictures and objects.
• Recognize and use the minus (−) and equals (=) signs correctly.
• Solve word problems involving subtraction.
• Understand that subtraction is the reverse of addition.
• Use subtraction in day-to-day scenarios.

Key Vocabulary

Subtraction, Minus, Difference, Left, Take away, Fewer, Equals, Zero

1. What is Subtraction?

2. Subtraction Using Objects

Use real objects like toys, pencils, or stones to visualize subtraction.

3. Subtraction Using Pictures

Use pictures to help children see what's being taken away.

4. Subtraction on Number Line

Use a number line to subtract by jumping backward.

5. Subtracting Numbers up to 10

Practice subtraction within 10 using fingers or objects.

• 8 − 5 = 3
• 6 − 2 = 4
• 4 − 4 = 0
• 7 − 0 = 7

6. Subtracting Numbers up to 20

Move to larger numbers gradually.

• 15 − 5 = 10
• 18 − 9 = 9
• 12 − 6 = 6

7. Subtraction Facts

Fact	Result
1 − 0	1
2 − 1	1
3 − 2	1
4 − 3	1
5 − 2	3
6 − 3	3
7 − 4	3
8 − 5	3
9 − 6	3
10 − 7	3

8. Real-Life Subtraction Scenarios

• 10 chocolates – 3 eaten = 7 left
• 7 birds – 4 flew = 3 remain
• 12 mangoes – 5 used = 7 remaining

9. Subtraction Using Fingers

If you have 8 fingers up and fold 3, 5 remain.
8 − 3 = 5

10. Subtraction and Zero

• 6 − 6 = 0 (All gone)
• 7 − 0 = 7 (None taken)

11. Reverse of Addition

• If 3 + 2 = 5 → Then 5 − 2 = 3
• 5 − 3 = 2

12. Word Problems

13. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Take Away

• 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎 − 🍎🍎 = ?
• 🧸🧸🧸🧸 − 🧸 = ?
• 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠 − 🐠🐠🐠 = ?

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

• 7 − 4 = ___
• 10 − ___ = 6
• ___ − 3 = 5
• 0 − 0 = ___
• 9 − 9 = ___

Exercise 3: Match the Following

Subtraction	Answer
5 − 2	3
7 − 0	7
6 − 3	3
8 − 4	4

14. Games and Activities

• Subtraction Hopscotch: Jump back as per subtraction question.
• Subtraction Bowling: Count pins knocked down and subtract.
• Story Time: Create subtraction stories.
• Flashcards: Use for quick recall practice.

15. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Subtracting larger from smaller without understanding negatives.
• Mixing up the order of numbers.
• Confusing addition and subtraction signs.
• Miscounting while taking away.

Conclusion

Subtraction is a crucial concept in early math learning. By using hands-on activities, real-life examples, and regular practice, children can learn subtraction in an enjoyable and meaningful way. It helps them build a strong foundation in arithmetic and logical thinking for future classes.