- Definition
Subtraction is when you take one number away from another to find out how much is left or the difference between them. It's the opposite of adding.
The expression 5 − 2 means 'start with 5 and take 2 away.'
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Subtraction is like eating some of your snacks — you start with a certain amount and end up with less.
Ask your child: If we take away two blocks, how many are left?
Common mix-up: Kids may think you can always just subtract the smaller number from the bigger one. The order matters in subtraction.
Examples
- Starting with 4 crayons and giving 1 to a friend, leaving 3.
- Having 3 balloons and 1 pops, leaving 2.
subtraction is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+10 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
