Grade 2 → Number Sense and Operations → Addition and Subtraction ↓
Basic subtraction up to 20
Subtraction is one of the fundamental operations in math, and it involves subtracting one number from another. In this explanation, we will explore basic subtraction up to 20, which is an essential skill for young learners. Understanding subtraction lays the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts.
What is subtraction?
Subtraction is the process of removing items from a group. It helps us find the difference between numbers. For example, if you have 10 apples and you're given 3, you can find out how many apples are left by subtracting 3 from 10:
10 - 3 = 7
Key Terms in Subtraction
Before we dive deeper into subtraction, let's understand some key terms:
- Minus sign (-): This symbol indicates subtraction.
- Minuend: The number you subtract. In 10 - 3 = 7, the minuend is 10.
- Subtraction: The numbers you subtract. In 10 - 3 = 7, the subtractee is 3.
- Difference: The result of a subtraction. In 10 - 3 = 7, the difference is 7.
Visual representation of subtraction
Using visuals can make subtraction easier to understand. Let's look at some examples:
Example: Subtract 5 from 12
12 - 5 = 7
Counting backwards
One way to perform subtraction is to count backwards. Let's consider an example: subtracting 4 from 9. Start at 9 and count backwards 4 times:
- Start at
9
. - One step back:
8
. - Two steps back:
7
. - Three steps back:
6
. - Four steps back:
5
.
Therefore, 9 - 4 = 5
.
Use of number lines
The number line is a useful tool for visualizing subtraction. Below is how you can use the number line for subtraction:
Example: Subtracting 3 from 8
Start at 8 and move 3 steps to the left to reach 5, which shows that 8 - 3 = 5
.
Text Example
Let's look at some more text examples to further strengthen your understanding:
Example 1: Subtracting small numbers
Imagine you have 7 candies and you eat 2 candies. How many candies do you have left?
7 - 2 = 5
You have 5 candies left.
Example 2: Subtracting from zero
Subtracting zero does not change the number. If there are 10 birds on the tree and none of them fly away, how many birds are there in total?
10 - 0 = 10
All 10 birds are still on the tree.
Example 3: Subtracting to make zero
What happens if you have 6 apples and you give them all away? How many apples will you have now?
6 - 6 = 0
You have zero apples.
Practice makes perfect
The best way to master subtraction is to practice. Solve these problems to hone your skills:
Problem 1: John has 15 marbles, and he gives 4 marbles to his friend. How many marbles does he have now?
15 - 4 = 11
Problem 2: Emily has 9 pencils, and she loses 2. How many pencils are left?
9 - 2 = 7
Additional Tips
Here are some tips for becoming proficient at basic subtraction:
- Memorize basic subtraction facts: Just as with addition, knowing basic subtraction facts helps you solve problems more quickly.
- Use manipulatives: Physical objects like counters or blocks can help demonstrate subtraction.
- Practice mental math: Practice subtraction mentally to improve your calculation speed and accuracy.
Conclusion
Basic subtraction up to 20 is an essential skill in early math. By understanding the concepts of subtraction, using visual aids like number lines, and practicing with problems, young learners can develop a strong foundation. Over time, subtraction becomes an easy and automatic process. Keep practicing, and you'll master this skill!