Take away and find how many are left
Taking away helps your child understand that numbers can go down as well as up. Watching 5 grapes become 3 after eating 2 gives real meaning to the word "left." Your child will need that word for subtraction stories within 10 in kindergarten, and later for 5 - 2 = 3. And it comes up at home all the time. Cookies get eaten, toys get put away, and friends go home.
In this video, your child will learn to take away and find what's left.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
3 − 1 = ?
Example 2
5 − 2 = ?
Your child's turn
4 − 3 = ?
The three key steps
- 1Start with the first number.
- 2Take away the second number.
- 3Count what's left!
Mistakes to listen for
- Counting the things taken away instead of the ones left, so 4 grapes with 1 eaten gives the answer 1.
- Adding instead of taking away, so 5 crackers with 2 eaten becomes 7, because putting together feels more familiar.
- Counting every object again, including the ones moved aside, so 6 blocks with 2 taken off still gives 6.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to subtracting with objects and fingers →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More Pre-K Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice subtracting with objects and fingers, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to subtracting with objects and fingers has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice subtracting with objects and fingers
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on subtracting with objects and fingers and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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