Properties of subtraction.

Lesson 3.

Properties of subtraction

Objective : To know and learn about the properties of subtraction.

To recognize and apply the properties of subtraction.

Keywords: Number, subtraction, minuend, subtrahend, difference, operations.

Vocabulary

Nº 

English

Spanish

1

Addition

Adición

2

Change

Cambiar

3

Check

Comprobar

4

Difference

Diferencia

5

Differentiate 

Diferenciar

6

Distinguish 

Distinguir 

7

Exchange

Intercambiar

8

Less

Restar

9

Minuend 

Minuendo

10

Neutral element

Elemento neutro

11

Properties 

Propiedades

12

Quantity

Cantidad

13

Subtract

Sustraer

14

Subtraction

Sustracción

15

Subtrahend

Sustraendo

16

Term

Término

17

Value

Valor

Lesson Plan Nº3 - English version

Lesson Plan Nº3 - Spanish version


Let's learn!

Subtraction is a mathematical operation that consists of eliminating part of a given quantity to obtain a result. If you wonder what subtraction is, you should know that it is just the opposite of addition.

Before we talk about the properties of subtraction, let's talk about the characteristics of subtraction. Let’s see!

ü  Subtraction is NOT commutative:

This means that we CANNOT change the position of the minuend with the subtrahend, because we would have a different answer.

ü  Subtraction is NOT associative:

By NOT being able to exchange the value of the minuend with the subtrahend, we cannot associate the values in a subtraction.

Now, let´s distinguish the terms of subtraction.



·         *The minuend is the number with the greatest quantity.

·      *The subtrahend is the digit or number that we subtract.

·      *The difference is the result of subtraction.


Now, let's talk about the properties of subtraction.

  • First property



To know if this operation is well done with this property, you must take the terms of the subtraction and perform the addition. 

Subtrahend plus difference is equal minuend. 

Let's check!


  • Second property

This property tells that the minuend less difference is equal to subtrahend.




Now, look at the subtraction and its terms. Then, take the terms of the minuend and the difference and do the subtraction.


As you can see, the result is the subtrahend.


  • Third property

This property tells that the subtraction of any number and zero (0) is equal the same number. 

Let’s check! 




Let’s watch the following video! 



Now that you already know all about the properties of subtraction, you are going to practice.

Let's practice!

Activity nº1
Choose the correct option.



                 Activity nº2
Choose the correct option.


Activities nº3, n°4, n°5 and n°6