Adding and taking away
When we add, we put groups together to make more. We use the sign +. When we subtract, we take some away, so we have less. We use the sign −. The sign = means "is the same as", and it shows the answer. Adding and taking away are like opposites of each other. To add, we can start at the first number and count on. To take away, we count back. Using our fingers or counters can help us see it.
Key idea
+ means add (put together). − means take away. = shows the answer.
Little examples
Worked example
Put together: 2 apples and 1 apple. 2 + 1 = 3. Now take away: 4 apples, eat 1. 4 − 1 = 3. Adding made more, taking away made less.
Remember
- Add makes more.
- Take away makes less.
- = shows the answer.
- Count carefully.