How to subtract numbers
Let's have fun with math!
How can "subtract" with simple methods:
What is the symbol of "subtraction"?
How can I subtract two from five?
Count all values and subtract the value of the small number
1. Partitioning
This involves splitting one quantity into two or more sub-quantities. This is the inverse of the ‘Combining’ model for addition.
Some examples of this are:
typical word problem for this kind of subtraction is:
“In a box are 5 cars. Two are John’s and the rest are Tom’s. How many are Tom's?
2. Reduction
This type of subtraction involves reducing the value of one quantity. This subtraction structure is often known as ‘take away’. It should be evident from this that ‘take away’ is not an appropriate description for other types of subtraction and therefore the commonly-held view that ‘subtraction’ and ‘take away’ are interchangeable terms with the same meaning is mistaken. This is a common misconception among children who may have been incorrectly taught or who have rarely encountered any other form of subtraction. The ‘reduction’ form of subtraction is the inverse of the ‘augmentation’ model for addition.
Misconceptions about teaching "subtraction"
Additional confusion can be caused by the use of specific language in this algorithm for earlier grades. The large number of different ways in which subtraction tasks can be phrased in words means that children become unsure what operation is required to solve the particular problem. Also, some words can have various meanings in different syntactic structures.
Language-related problems can be seen also to inappropriate or imprecise use of language. Teachers have to be cautious to use appropriate mathematical language when talking to children. In particular, be aware that the −sign as ‘subtract’ or ‘minus’ and the = sign as ‘equals’. Children often read + as ‘and’ and = as ‘makes’ which seems acceptable until they become confronted with a statement of the form 7= 3 + 4 whereupon reading it as 7 makes 3 and 4 doesn't make sense!