The minus sign (−) represents subtraction: finding how many remain after taking away, comparing two quantities to find the difference, or determining an unknown part in a related addition fact. A learner interprets and writes subtraction equations such as 9 − 4 = 5, understanding that the sign relates quantities and their result rather than indicating that the following number is negative; work is limited to whole numbers within 20, not negative numbers or formal algebraic generalizations.
On this page:
- Learn “Use the minus sign” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Use the minus sign” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Use the minus sign you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Use the minus sign” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Picture Numbers - Addition and Subtraction” or “Picture Numbers - Subtraction Intro” that introduce, teach, or practice “Use the minus sign” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Use the minus sign
The minus sign, , means take away or find how many are left.
Example: You have apples and take away .
- Start with .
- Take away : count back numbers: .
- You have apples left.
Write the subtraction equation:
Read it as: “Eight minus three equals five.” The minus sign tells us to take away from .
Learn by doing: Use the minus sign
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
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Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 20)
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Use the minus sign' Worksheet
Print this free 'Use the minus sign' 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
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 10)
- Subtraction - Missing Value, Within 10
- Subtraction - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Subtraction - Whole Number 1 x 1
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Equation (Within 5)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 20)
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Use the minus sign) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.