C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Addition & Subtraction·conceptual

Subtraction as taking away or separating

Understand subtraction as taking away or separating from a group to find how many remain

Suggested ages 4–6

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Evidence of understanding

  • Model 'taking away' with physical objects and say how many remain
  • Act out a 'take from' situation (e.g. 5 biscuits, eat 2, how many left?)
  • Explain that subtraction means finding how many are left

Assessment prompt

If Subtraction as taking away or separating has 9 biscuits and eats 3, do they understand that subtracting means taking some away — and can they tell you 6 biscuits are left?

Standards alignment

K.OA.1US · ccss-math

Represent Addition and Subtraction

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · K

Maths/Y1/AS/1GB · uk-nc-2013

Read and write addition and subtraction statements

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1