Dear little learners, Today, we’re going to learn something that helps us in real life every single day — subtraction! Whether you’re sharing chocolates, spending pocket money, or counting toys, subtraction is there to help. Ready to become subtraction superstars? Let’s go!
What is Subtraction?
Subtraction means taking something away. Let’s say you have 5 pencils, and you give 2 to your friend. How many pencils are left with you?
That’s subtraction! You had 5, gave away 2 — and now you have 3 left.
We use this sign ➖ for subtraction.
So, 5 ➖ 2 = 3
Subtraction Without Borrowing
This is the easy kind — where the top number is bigger than the bottom one. No borrowing or switching needed!
Example 1:
Umesh had 28 pencils. He used 16 pencils. How many pencils are left?
We write it like this:
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28
– 16
12
Let’s break it down:
- From 8 ones, take away 6 ones → 2 ones remain
- From 2 tens, take away 1 ten → 1 ten remains
So, 12 pencils are left with Umesh.
Another Example:
Pavitra had ₹36. She spent ₹23. How much is left?
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36
– 23
____
13
- 6 – 3 = 3
- 3 – 2 = 1
Pavitra has ₹13 left. That’s simple, right?
Subtraction With Borrowing
Sometimes, the top number is smaller — so we “borrow” from the tens. Let’s see how that works.
Example:
Ramayya had 43 sheep. He sold 19. How many sheep does he still have?
We can’t do 3 – 9, so we borrow 1 ten from 4 tens.
Now 3 becomes 13, and 4 becomes 3.
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43
– 19
____
24
- 13 – 9 = 4
- 3 – 1 = 2
Ramayya has 24 sheep left.
Don’t worry if this feels tricky at first — it gets easier with practice!
Subtraction with Zero
What happens when we subtract zero?
Nothing changes! Zero means nothing.
Example:
You had 9 toffees. You didn’t eat any. How many do you still have?
9 – 0 = 9
That’s right — all your toffees are still there!
Estimating the Answer
Sometimes we don’t need the exact number — just a close guess. This is called estimation.
Imagine looking at a pile of mangoes. Can you guess how many are there without counting each one? If there are 32 mangoes, you can say, “Hmm… that’s close to 30.”
If there are 77 bananas, we say that’s close to 80. It helps us when we’re in a hurry!
FAQs
Q: What if the number on top is smaller than the number below?
A: Great question! In that case, we borrow from the tens place. It’s like asking your neighbor for help — you take one ten and change it into 10 ones!
Q: What does subtracting zero mean?
A: Subtracting zero means nothing is taken away. So the number stays the same. For example, 7 – 0 = 7.
Q: Do I always need to borrow?
A: No, only when the number in the ones place on top is smaller than the number below it. If it’s big enough, you can subtract straight away!
Q: Is subtraction only for school?
A: Not at all! We use it when we give things to friends, count money after buying snacks, or see how many toys we’ve lost or given away.
Q: How do I remember subtraction easily?
A: Just keep thinking of it as “taking away” or “what’s left.” Use real objects like erasers, blocks, or buttons to help you understand better.
Take assessment:
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Great for quick checks and identifying the correct concept.
Example:
What should you do if you spill water at home?
a) Leave it and walk away
b) Wipe it clean
c) Call your friend
d) Play with it
2. Fill in the Blanks
Useful for reinforcing key vocabulary and main ideas.
Example:
We should always keep our surroundings ______.
If you break something, you should say ______.
3. True or False
Helps test understanding of correct behavior and concepts.
Example:
- We should waste water while brushing our teeth. (True/False)
- Saying “thank you” is good manners. (True/False)
4. Match the Following
Good for connecting actions to correct behaviors or items to usage.
Example:
Match the action with what you should do:
- Spill water ––– a. Say sorry
- Hurt someone ––– b. Close the tap
- Brushing teeth ––– c. Clean it
5. Short Answer Questions
Encourages children to express understanding in their own words.
Examples:
- What should you do after using the toilet?
- How can you keep your classroom clean?
- Why is it important to say “thank you”?
6. Picture-Based Questions
Use visuals to prompt responses (especially helpful for this age group).
Example:
Show a picture of a dirty room.
Q: What is wrong in this picture? What should be done?
7. Situation-Based / Role-Play Questions
These help assess real-life application and decision-making.
Example:
Q: Your friend forgets his lunch box. What will you do?
Q: You see someone throw garbage on the ground. What should you do?
8. Sequencing / Arrange in Order
Helps children understand processes or routines.
Example:
Arrange the steps to brush your teeth in the correct order:
a) Rinse your mouth
b) Apply toothpaste
c) Take your brush
d) Brush your teeth
9. Yes or No Questions
Simple and direct for quick checks.
Example:
- Do you clean your toys after playing? (Yes/No)
- Should we help our parents at home? (Yes/No)
10. Opinion-Based Questions
Encourages critical thinking and expression.
Example:
- What do you think is more important—saying sorry or saying thank you? Why?
- Do you like keeping your classroom clean? How do you help?
11. Connect the Dots / Drawing Activity
Integrates creativity with understanding.
Activity: Draw a picture showing a “Clean Classroom”.
Q: Can you explain your drawing?
12. Sing / Chant / Act (Oral Assessment)
This is great for younger learners and group activities.
Example:
- Say a rhyme about cleanliness.
- Act like someone cleaning their room.