Subtraction as taking away represents removing a known amount from an initial quantity, leaving a remainder; for quantities within 20, an equation such as identifies the starting amount, amount removed, and result, and can be modeled with a part–whole diagram or number line. The interpretation establishes that the order of the quantities matters and connects subtraction with finding an unknown addend, without extending to negative results, larger-number algorithms, or more abstract difference and comparison contexts.
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Detailed Explanation: Interpret subtraction as taking away
Subtraction can show taking away.
Start with a group. Take away some objects. Count how many are left.
Example
You have 9 apples. You take away 3 apples. How many apples are left?
- Start with apples.
- Take away apples.
- Count the apples that remain: apples.
Write this as:
In this equation:
- is the starting amount.
- is the amount taken away.
- is the amount left.
You can also use a number line. Start at and move back steps:
So, . Subtraction tells what remains after some of the starting amount is removed.
Learn by doing: Interpret subtraction as taking away
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Practice:
Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 20)
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Interpret subtraction as taking away' Worksheet
Print this free 'Interpret subtraction as taking away' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Equation (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Equation
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Number (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 10)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Equation (Within 10)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 5)
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Interpret subtraction as taking away) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.