Subtraction
Subtract shapes
Use original shape groups to model taking away, connect the action to a subtraction equation, and find a non-negative result.
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Visual subtraction
Model take-away stories with original geometric groups, visible crossed-out items, equations, and space to record what remains.
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Count the starting shapes, cross out the amount removed, count what remains, and complete the equation.
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Customize this worksheetLearning objective
What this activity builds
Connect a concrete take-away action, a picture, and a symbolic subtraction equation.
Worked example
Seven triangles are shown and three are crossed out. How many remain?
7 − 3 = 4
The seven shapes are the whole, the three crossed-out shapes are removed, and the four uncrossed shapes are the difference.
Teaching notes
Make the practice count
- Keep removed shapes visible with a cross-out so the starting whole can still be checked.
- Ask learners to tell the take-away story before writing symbols.
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A useful next step
Related activities
Subtraction
Subtract with dots
Use loose dots to solve subtraction facts. Start with 0–9, or expand the top-number choices to 25 and bottom-number choices to 15.
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