How to Write Subtraction Equations
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Subtraction is taking away part of a number.

      A subtraction equation is like a math sentence that shows subtraction.

Each part of a subtraction equation has a special name, or term. Make sure you know the terms above. 👆

Now, let's learn how to write subtraction equations from pictures! 🤗

Writing Subtraction Equations

Let's write a subtraction equation for this picture together.

A subtraction equation has 3 parts: the minuend, subtrahend, and difference.

      The minuend is the big number we're taking away from.

How many flowers do we have at the start? 🤔

That's right! 😃 We have 6 flowers.

So, the minuend is 6. Let's write that down.

Now, let's find the subtrahend.

      The subtrahend is the number that is 'taken away'.

How many flowers were taken away in the picture?

Correct! 😎 

2 were taken away. This is the subtrahend.

Write 2 down and put a minus (-) sign between the numbers.

Now, we need to find the difference.

     The difference is the number that's left. It's the answer.

How many flowers are left?

You got it! 

4 flowers are left. This is the difference. 🤗

Put an equals (=) sign after the subtrahend and write the difference.

Great job! 👏 You just wrote your first subtraction equation!

Another Example

Here, we have a set of blocks.

First, count all the blocks. That's the minuend.

Next, count the blocks that were taken away. That's the subtrahend. Write it after a minus (-) sign.

Finally, count the leftover blocks. That's the difference. Write it after an equal (=) sign.

Awesome! 👏

Now, complete the practice. It'll help you remember.