How to Teach Subtraction

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Children often struggle to grasp the formal concept of subtraction. When teaching students how to subtract, it can be helpful to present the concept to them in a variety of formats. After introducing basic subtraction principles, tackle place values and two-digit subtraction. Try different techniques to see what works for your student(s). As they strive to master subtraction, supply your students with several ways of solving subtraction problems, such as the Common Core’s measurement method or the think-addition method.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Teaching Subtraction with Drawings or Objects

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  1. Write or recite a subtraction word problem for your students. It's best to write it or provide them with a copy on a worksheet so that they can refer back to the actual problem.
    • There are 8 oranges on the table. Jordan ate 3 oranges. How many oranges are left? [1]
  2. Draw 8 orange circles on the board or a sheet of paper. Ask the students to count the oranges—you may label each orange with a number. As you explain that Jordan ate 3 oranges, cross out or erase 3 of the oranges. Ask the students how many oranges are left. [2]
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  3. Place 8 oranges on the table and ask the students to count the oranges. Remove 3 oranges from the table, explaining that Jordan ate 3 of the oranges. Ask the students to count the number of oranges left on the table. [3]
    • When using objects, switch up the items you use so students learn that math rules are universal. For example, work through a problem using oranges, then do it again using crayons.
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    Joseph Meyer

    Math Teacher
    Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.
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    Visual aids transform abstract concepts into something more relatable. This, in turn, helps promote a deeper understanding. Interactive activities also enhance a student's learning by making math fun and engaging, which is why they're a great way to build students' math skills.

  4. Explain to your students that you can represent this word problem with a number sentence. Walk them through the process of translating the word problem into a number sentence.
    • Ask them how many oranges are on the table. Write “8” on the board.
    • Ask the students how many oranges Jordan ate. Write “3” on the board.
    • Ask the students if this is an addition or a subtraction problem. Write down “-” between the “8” and the “3.”
    • Ask the students for the solution to “8-3.” Write down “=” followed by a “5.” [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Teaching Count-Back Subtraction with a Number Line

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  1. Write or recite a subtraction word problem for your students. It's best to show them a written problem so that they can refer back to it.
    • There are 10 dogs at the pet store. 6 of the dogs are adopted by new owners. How many dogs are left at the pet store? [5]
  2. Draw a number line on the board that ranges from 0 to 10. Ask the students how many dogs are at the pet store. Place your marker or pointer on “10.” Ask the students how many dogs are adopted. Count down the number-line 6 places (9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4) to number “4.” Ask the students how many dogs are left at the pet store. [6]
    • It's a good idea to create a permanent number line that your students can reference. You could use a permanent marker on paper, a poster, or the board, or you could use colorful washi tape on the board or wall.
  3. Explain that this word problem can be represented by a number sentence. Walk them through the process of translating the word problem into a number sentence.
    • Ask them how many dogs are at the pet shop. Write “10” on the board.
    • Ask the students how many dogs are adopted. Write “6” on the board.
    • Ask the students if this is an addition or a subtraction problem. Write down “-” between the “10” and the “6.”
    • Ask the students for the solution to “10-6.” Write down “=” followed by a “4.” [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Teaching Subtraction with Fact Families

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  1. A fact family is a set of facts, or mathematical problems, that use the same numbers. These are three numbers in each fact family. These three numbers can be added or subtracted in different ways. For example, 10, 3, and 7 form a fact family. You can use these three numbers to create two addition number sentences and two subtraction number sentences:
    • 10-3=7
    • 10-7=3
    • 7+3=10
    • 3+7=10 [8]
  2. Write or state a subtraction word problem for your students:
    • I have 7 candies. I eat 3 of the candies. How many candies do I have left. [9]
  3. Walk your students through the process step by step:
    • Ask your students which number sentence they are trying to solve. Write “7-3=?” on the board.
    • Ask them to determine the third member of the fact family. Write the following number sentences on the board: “3+__=7”; “__+3=7”; “; “7-__=3”; and 7-3=__” Fill in the blanks as the students provide you with the answers. [10]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Teaching Common Core Subtraction

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  1. The Common Core presents the concept of subtraction as measuring the distance between two points. To demonstrate this to your students, draw a number line ranging from 0 to 10 on the board as a visual.
    • Provide your students with a basic subtraction problem: 9-4=?.
    • Locate the number 4 on your number line. This is your starting point.
    • Locate the number 9 on your number line. This is your final destination.
    • Measure, or count the distance between the two points: “5, 6, 7, 8, 9.”
    • The distance is five. Therefore, 9-4=5. [11]
  2. When solving a two-digit subtraction problem, explain to your students that there are more stopping points along the way to the final destination. [12]
    • Provide your students with a two-digit subtraction problem: 73-31=?.
    • Locate the number 31 on your number line. This is your starting point.
    • Locate the number 73 on your number line. This is your final destination.
    • "Stop” at the next tens place. Move from 31 to 40. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 9.
    • "Stop” at the tens place nearest 73. Move from 40 to 70. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 30.
    • "Drive” to your final destination. Move from 70 to 73. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 3.
    • Add together the three measurements: 9+30+3=42. Therefore, 73-31=42. [13]
  3. When solving a two-digit subtraction problem, explain to your students that in addition to making extra stops, the distance between the stops will be greater. [14]
    • Provide your students with a three-digit subtraction problem: 815-398=?.
    • Locate the number 398 on your number line. This is your starting point.
    • Locate the number 815 on your number line. This is your final destination.
    • "Stop” at the next tens place. Move from 398 to 400. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 2.
    • "Stop” at the hundreds place nearest 815. Move from 400 to 800. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 400.
    • "Stop at the tens place nearest 815. Move from 800 to 810. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 10.
    • "Drive” to your final destination. Move from 810 to 815. Measure the distance and write down the answer: 5.
    • Add together the 4 measurements: 2+400+10+5=417. Therefore, 815-398-417. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is a fun way to teach subtraction?
    Courtney Copriviza
    Elementary School Teacher
    Courtney Copriviza is an Elementary School Teacher based in Maui, HI. Courtney specializes in elementary education, classroom management, and social and emotional development. She holds a BA in Communication with a minor in Urban Education and an MA in Teaching from Santa Clara University. Courtney has also taught high school in Madrid, Spain. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society in Education.
    Courtney Copriviza
    Elementary School Teacher
    Expert Answer
    I'd pick some kind of fun object and use that to introduce the concept. Some kind of toy or interesting object, or an item you could use to keep children focused while you're explaining how subtraction works.
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  • Question
    What's it called when you use objects to teach math?
    Courtney Copriviza
    Elementary School Teacher
    Courtney Copriviza is an Elementary School Teacher based in Maui, HI. Courtney specializes in elementary education, classroom management, and social and emotional development. She holds a BA in Communication with a minor in Urban Education and an MA in Teaching from Santa Clara University. Courtney has also taught high school in Madrid, Spain. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society in Education.
    Courtney Copriviza
    Elementary School Teacher
    Expert Answer
    Manipulatives. It's the practice of using any kind of physical object, like a block or chess piece, to demonstrate an educational premise.
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  • Question
    How can I teach a nine year old to subtract large numbers?
    Community Answer
    A number line can be an easy and visual way to show them how it is done.
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      • Allow the student to draw items if he or she has difficulty carrying out a subtraction problem without items to manipulate.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Items to manipulate
      • Paper
      • Writing utensil

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      References

      1. ↑ https://jr.brainpop.com/math/additionandsubtraction/basicsubtraction/
      2. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
      3. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
      4. ↑ https://jr.brainpop.com/math/additionandsubtraction/basicsubtraction/
      5. ↑ https://jr.brainpop.com/math/additionandsubtraction/basicsubtraction/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWNRQI85E_E
      7. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/subtraction.html
      8. ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/addition-subtraction/basic-add-subtract/v/basic-subtraction
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksXb1bUi6l8
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK3FKEZJKec
      2. ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/commoncore/grade-2-NBT
      3. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKxQ33KcRWQ
      5. ↑ Courtney Copriviza. Elementary School Teacher. Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-third-grade-math/imp-addition-and-subtraction/imp-subtracting-with-regrouping-within-1000/v/basic-regrouping-or-borrowing-when-subtracting-three-digit-numbers

      About This Article

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      To teach subtraction, start by presenting your students with a simple subtraction word problem. Next, explain the problem by drawing the total number of objects on the board, ask the students to count the objects, and label each object with a number. Then, as you explain how many objects are being subtracted, cross out or erase those objects and ask the students to count how many objects are left. Lastly, walk your students through the process of translating the word problem into a number sentence. For tips on teaching more difficult subtraction problems, read on!

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