Subtraction Basics

What is subtraction?

Subtraction is taking one number away from another. The result is called the difference.

Count backwards

Start at the bigger number and count back.

Example: 9 − 3: start at 9, count back 3 → 8, 7, 6. So 9 − 3 = 6.

Check your work

If a − b = c, then b + c should equal a.