What Are Subtraction Sentences?
Subtraction sentences tell us how many items are taken away from a group.
When we look at pictures, we can count how many items there were at first, then count how many are being taken away or crossed out. The answer is how many are left!
How to Write Subtraction Sentences from Pictures
1️⃣ Count all the items in the picture first
2️⃣ Count how many items are being taken away (crossed out, eaten, or removed)
3️⃣ Write the subtraction sentence: Total - Taken away = Left
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Apple Orchard
12 apples, 5 were picked
Example 2: Balloon Pop
15 balloons, 7 popped
Parent Tips 🌟
- Make it real: Use everyday objects like cookies or toys to create subtraction stories ("You had 8 cookies and ate 3, how many are left?").
- Draw together: Have your child draw simple pictures and create subtraction problems from them.
- Play subtraction games: Try "how many are hiding" games where you show some objects, hide some, and have them figure out how many you hid.