Subtracting 3

Taking away three things at a time!

What Does Subtracting 3 Mean?

Subtracting 3 is like giving away 3 of your toys or eating 3 cookies from your plate!
When we subtract 3, we're taking away three things from a group. It's like counting backwards by 3 from any number. Let's learn how to do it with fun examples!

How to Subtract 3

1️⃣ Start with your number (like 7 apples)

2️⃣ Take away 3 things (eat 3 apples)

3️⃣ Count what's left (4 apples remaining)

Let's Practice Together!

Apple Example

You have 7 apples. You eat 3 apples. How many are left?

apple apple apple apple apple apple apple

Click the correct answer:

Number Line Example

Let's solve 9 - 3 using the number line:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Start at 9. Jump back 3 spaces. Where do you land?

Parent Tips 🌟

  • Use snacks: Have your child count out 10 small snacks (like raisins), then eat 3 to see subtraction in action!
  • Hopscotch math: Draw a number line with chalk outside and have your child hop backwards to subtract.
  • Daily practice: Find opportunities to ask "what's 3 less?" during daily activities ("If we have 8 carrots and use 3, how many remain?").

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