Write subtraction sentences to describe pictures – up to 18
Key notes :
- Understanding Subtraction:
- Subtraction is the process of taking away one quantity from another.
- It is represented by the minus sign (-).
- The basic format is: Minuend – Subtrahend = Difference (e.g., 10 – 3 = 7).
- Linking Pictures to Subtraction:
- Pictures can represent real-world objects, where some items are removed to demonstrate subtraction.
- Each subtraction sentence corresponds to a visual scenario, e.g., showing 10 apples, and 3 are crossed out, leading to the sentence: 10 – 3 = 7.
- Writing Subtraction Sentences:
- Start by counting the total number of objects in the picture (Minuend).
- Identify how many objects are being removed (Subtrahend).
- Count the remaining objects (Difference).
- Form a subtraction sentence based on this information, e.g., if a picture shows 12 birds and 4 fly away, the subtraction sentence is 12 – 4 = 8.
- Examples with Visual Representation:
- Example 1: 15 flowers in the garden, and 5 are picked. Subtraction sentence: 15 – 5 = 10.
- Example 2: 18 balls, and 7 are taken away. Subtraction sentence: 18 – 7 = 11.
Learn with an example
Which subtraction number sentence does the picture show?

- 10-3 =7
- 11-9 =2
- 10-2 =8
- 11-3 =8
First, count all the scooters, even the ones that are crossed out. Count each full row as 10. There are 11 scooters.
Now count how many scooters are crossed out. 2 scooters are crossed out.
The first part of the subtraction number sentence is 11 − 2. To find the difference, count the scooters that are not crossed out. 9 scooters are not crossed out. This picture shows the subtraction number sentence 11 − 2 = 9.
Which subtraction number sentence does the picture show?

- 14-9 =5
- 16-8 =8
- 15-9 =6
- 15-8 =7
First, count all the aliens, even the ones that are crossed out. Count each full row as 10. There are 15 aliens.
Now count how many aliens are crossed out. 9 aliens are crossed out.
The first part of the subtraction number sentence is 15 − 9. To find the difference, count the aliens that are not crossed out. 6 aliens are not crossed out. This picture shows the subtraction number sentence 15 − 9 = 6.
Which subtraction number sentence does the picture show?

- 12 − 5 = 7
- 12 − 6 = 6
- 13 − 4 = 9
- 13 − 6 = 7
- First, count all the spaceships, even the ones that are crossed out. Count each full row as 10. There are 12 spaceships.
- Now count how many spaceships are crossed out. 5 spaceships are crossed out.
- The first part of the subtraction number sentence is 12 − 5. To find the difference, count the spaceships that are not crossed out. 7 spaceships are not crossed out. This picture shows the subtraction number sentence 12 − 5 = 7.
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