Subtract Using Counters
Concept
In math, to subtract means to take away from a group or a number of things. When we subtract, the number of things in the group reduce or become less. The sign for Subtraction is – (minus). This is one of the four arithmetic operations.
Counters are an excellent tool that children can use in their attempts to master math skills including counting, adding, subtracting, making patterns and comparing numbers.
Rules
1. Start by modeling the counters to represent the first number using one color.
2. Take away or cross out the number of counters indicated by the second number.
3. Count the remaining number of counters.
Example
Subtract.
7 – 3
Solution
1. Start by modeling the counters to represent the first number using one color.
2. Take away or cross out the number of counters indicated by the second number.
3. Count the remaining number of counters.
7 – 3 = 4
Practice Subtract Using Counters
Practice Problem 1
Subtract.
Place the counters on the frame and then remove some to find your answer.
Practice Problem 2
Subtract.
Place the counters on the frame and then remove some to find your answer.
Practice Problem 3
Subtract.
Place the counters on the frame and then remove some to find your answer.
Subtraction – to take away from a group or a number of things.
Minuend – the number from which we subtract
Subtrahend – the number which is subtracted.
Difference – The final result after subtracting the subtrahend from the minuend.
Counters – small objects that kids can count and move around to help them do plenty of maths problems. They come in a lot of shapes like teddy bear counters, animal counters and coloured circle counters.
Pre-requisite Skills
Subtraction Stories – Using Pictures
Subtract – Numbers up to 10
Write Subtraction Sentences
Subtract Zero and All
Subtraction Skills – Subtracting from 4, 5, and 6
Subtraction Skills – Subtracting from 7, 8, and 9
Subtraction Skills – Subtracting from 10,11 and 12
Vertical Subtraction
Subtraction – Count back
Subtract Using Number Lines