Addition and Subtraction

• Mathematics

Let's Learn about Addition and Subtraction!

Let's Learn About Addition and Subtraction!

What Does Addition Mean?

Addition means to add two or more numbers together to make one number that is greater in value. This number is called the sum.  

When we want to add numbers together, we use the plus sign:

+

What Does Subtraction Mean?

Subtraction means to subtract or take one number away from another number to get a number with less value. This number is called the difference.

When we want to subtract one number from another, we use the minus sign   :

-

What does the (=) sign mean?

This sign is called the equal sign! This is the symbol that comes before the answer to the problem! So the symbol (=) will appear before the sum in an addition problem, and before the difference in a subtraction problem.

When adding numbers together, you add all the numbers before and after the (+) sign. The sum of the numbers you added together is after the (=) sign. Let's practice together using fun shapes!

+

=

+

=

1 Rocket + 1 Rocket = 2 Rockets!

2 Stars + 2 Stars = 4 Stars!

When subtracting numbers, you subtract the number after the (-) sign from the number before the (-) sign. The difference of the numbers you subtracted is after the (=) sign. Let's practice together using fun shapes!

-

=

2 Rockets - 1 Rocket = 1 Rocket!

-

=

3 Stars - 1 Star = 2 Stars!

To Help Us Remember What Addition and Subtraction Mean, Let's Listen to this Song!

Lets try a couple practice problems to see if we remember!

Imagine you have these pencils. Count how many pencils you have!

How many pencils do you have?

1. 7
2. 8
3. 9
4. 10

Right you have 10 pencils!

Now imagine that you gave 3 pencils to your friend.

X

So if you had 10 pencils, but then gave 3 to a friend, how many pencils do you have now? Count how many pencils you have now!

What is the difference of 10 - 3?

X

1. 7
2. 6
3. 5
4. 4

Correct!

The difference of 10 - 3 is 7! 

You solved your first subtraction problem! 

Imagine you picked every apple from this apple tree. Count how many apples are on the tree!

How many apples did you pick from the apple tree?

1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8

Correct! You picked 7 apples from the apple tree!

Now imagine that your friend gave you 4 more apples from their apple tree!

If you picked 7 apples, and your friend gave you 4 more apples, how many apples do you have now? Count all the apples you have now!

So what is the sum of 7 + 4?

1. 9
2. 10
3. 11
4. 12

Correct!

The sum of 7 + 4 is 11!

You solved your first addition problem!