Learning Subtraction by Taking Away Objects

MatholiaChannel

This educational video introduces the concept of subtraction through the "taking away" method, using clear visual aids and a step-by-step approach. It transitions students from concrete counting to abstract mathematical sentences by showing physical objects disappearing and then immediately modeling how to write the corresponding equation. The video uses three distinct examples—cupcakes, connecting cubes, and counters—to reinforce the pattern of starting with a whole, removing a part, and finding the remainder. The content focuses on three key themes: counting a set of objects, visualizing the action of subtraction, and learning mathematical vocabulary. Crucially, the narration introduces two ways to verbalize subtraction equations: using the phrase "take away" (e.g., "5 take away 2") and the formal term "minus" (e.g., "5 minus 2"). This dual approach helps bridge everyday language with formal mathematical terminology, making the concept more accessible to early learners. For educators, this video serves as an excellent instructional tool for introducing subtraction equations or reinforcing the meaning of the minus sign. It provides a perfect model for the concrete-pictorial-abstract (CPA) approach in mathematics. Teachers can use it to demonstrate how to translate real-world actions into written math sentences, helping students understand that symbols like "-" and "=" represent specific actions and relationships.