K–2 Math · Lesson 5 of 8
Lesson 5: Subtraction
Subtraction means taking some away to find what is left. If you have 7 cookies and eat 3, you have 4 left!
Key Concepts
The Minus Sign
The − sign means we are taking some away. 8 − 3 means start with 8 and take away 3. What is left is called the difference.
Subtraction on a Number Line
Start at the bigger number and jump BACKWARDS the amount you are subtracting. Where you land is the answer!
Fact Families
Addition and subtraction are opposites! 5 + 3 = 8 means 8 − 3 = 5 and 8 − 5 = 3. These three numbers are a fact family and they all work together.
🆕 Activity: Take Away Machine
Use the sliders to subtract! Watch the dots disappear.
✅ Check Your Understanding
1. What does subtraction mean?
2. What is 9 − 4?
3. If 5 + 2 = 7, then 7 − 5 = ?