Subtraction Using Objects
Subtraction using objects means using real things — like blocks, beads, or fingers — to take away and find how many are left.
This hands-on method helps us see what subtraction looks like.
What is Subtraction Using Objects - Class 1 Maths (Subtraction (Grade 1))?
To subtract using objects:
- Put out the starting number of objects.
- Take away (remove) the second number.
- Count what is left. That is the difference.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Taking Away Blocks
Question: There are 7 blocks. Take away 3. How many are left?
Think:
- Put 7 blocks on the table: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
- Remove 3 blocks
- Count the rest: 1, 2, 3, 4
Answer: 7 − 3 = 4 blocks left.
Example 2: Using Fingers
Question: What is 5 − 2? Use your fingers.
Think:
- Hold up 5 fingers
- Fold down 2 fingers
- Count fingers still up: 1, 2, 3
Answer: 5 − 2 = 3.
Example 3: Removing Beads
Question: Ria has 9 beads. She gives 4 to Priya. How many does Ria have left?
Think:
- Line up 9 beads: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
- Remove 4 beads
- Count remaining: ● ● ● ● ● → 5
Answer: 9 − 4 = 5 beads.
Example 4: Crossing Out Pictures
Question: There are 6 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Cross out 2. How many are left?
Think:
- Cross out 2 stars
- Count uncrossed stars: 1, 2, 3, 4
Answer: 6 − 2 = 4 stars.
Example 5: Eating Mangoes
Question: Aman has 8 mangoes. He eats 3. How many mangoes are left?
Think:
- Put 8 mangoes on the plate
- Remove 3 (eaten)
- Count the rest: 5
Answer: 8 − 3 = 5 mangoes.
Example 6: Taking Coins from a Box
Question: A piggy bank has 10 coins. Kavi takes out 6. How many are inside?
Think:
- Start with 10 coins
- Take out 6
- 10 − 6 = 4
Answer: 4 coins are left in the piggy bank.
Example 7: Using Tally Marks
Question: Draw 8 tally marks. Cross out 5. How many are left?
Think:
- Draw 8 marks: | | | | | | | |
- Cross out 5
- Count remaining: 1, 2, 3
Answer: 8 − 5 = 3.
Key Points to Remember
- Subtraction with objects: start, take away, count what is left.
- You can use blocks, beads, buttons, fingers, or tally marks.
- Crossing out pictures is a good way to subtract on paper.
- The number left is always less than what you started with.
- Always count carefully after removing objects.
Practice Problems
- Use your fingers to find 8 − 4.
- Put 6 buttons on a table. Take away 1. How many are left?
- Draw 9 circles. Cross out 3. Count the rest.
- Aditi has 7 stickers. She gives 5 away. How many does she keep?
- Use tally marks to show 10 − 4.
- Line up 5 pencils. Remove 5. How many are left?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why do we use objects for subtraction?
Objects help us see subtraction happening. We physically take things away and count what remains, making it easier to understand.
Q2. What objects can I use?
Use anything: blocks, beads, buttons, coins, sticks, fingers, or draw circles and cross them out.
Q3. What does 'take away' mean?
Take away means remove. If you have 7 things and take away 3, you remove 3 from the group.
Q4. What if I take away all the objects?
Then nothing is left. The answer is 0. For example, 5 − 5 = 0.
Q5. Can I cross out pictures instead of using real objects?
Yes. Draw dots or circles for the starting number, then cross out the number being subtracted. Count the uncrossed ones.
Q6. How is this different from subtraction on a number line?
With objects, you remove physical things and count what is left. On a number line, you jump backward. Both give the same answer.
