What does subtraction mean?
Word: Subtraction
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Subtraction means taking one amount away from another to find what is left, as in 9 - 4 = 5.
Antonyms: addition
How do you spell subtraction?
Syllables: sub - trac - tion
Tricky part: The end sounds like shun but is spelt tion. Children also drop the b and write sutraction.
Watch out for: subtracsion, subtrakshun, sutraction
Memory tip: Addition and multiplication end in tion, and so does subtraction: the maths partners share the same tail.
Subtraction in a sentence
Example 1: Ishaan finished all ten subtraction sums before the bell.
Example 2: We use subtraction to work out how much change the shopkeeper gives back.
Example 3: Subtraction is easier when you line up the tens and the ones.
Fun Fact
The minus sign used in subtraction first appeared in print in a German arithmetic book published in 1489.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the option in which the following letters will fit in the given order:
u, a
a) s_btr_ction
b) c_lc_lation
c) d_v_sion
d) n_mb_r
Show answer
a) s_btr_ction. Put u and then a into the gaps and subtraction appears.
Word Champ
Choose the correct word for the blank:
This is a sum in ______: 10 - 3 = 7.
a) multiplication
b) division
c) addition
d) subtraction
Show answer
d) subtraction. The minus sign tells you to take away, so the sum is a subtraction.
Spell Spies
Choose the option with no spelling errors:
a) subtraction, number, dijit, ansur
b) subtraction, number, digit, answer
c) subtraction, numbre, digit, anser
d) subtraction, nomber, diggit, answer
Show answer
b) subtraction, number, digit, answer. Number ends in er, digit has one g, and answer has a silent w.
Sound Check
Which of the following words rhymes with subtraction?
a) question
b) addition
c) collection
d) distraction
Show answer
d) distraction. Distraction ends with the same -action sound as subtraction.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Ines had 12 sweets and gave 5 away. Which sum shows how many she has left?
a) 5 - 12
b) 12 + 5
c) 12 - 5
d) 12 x 5
Show answer
c) 12 - 5
2. In 15 - 6 = 9, what is 9 called?
a) the factor
b) the sum
c) the product
d) the difference
Show answer
d) the difference
