KS1 (Age 5-7)KS2 (Age 7-11)11 Plus (Age 7-11)KS3 (Age 11-14)GCSE (Age 14-17)PSHE A.I.ESL Spanish Specialist Games

Need help with Year 2 Calculation - Subtraction Language? Ask our AI Tutor!

AI Tutor - Lucy

Connecting with Tutor...

Please wait while we establish connection

Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Year 2 Calculation - Subtraction Language today?

now

Difference, subtract, subtraction and minus are all words which mean take away.

Year 2 Calculation - Subtraction Language

Learn the clue words for subtraction. Spot “left,” “gave away,” and “spent,” then choose − to work out how many remain.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Word clues in problems “Left,” “gave away,” “spent” often mean minus. “How many left?” subtract.

In KS1 Maths, pupils read simple stories to decide which operation to use. Words like left, gave away, and spent point to subtraction, so we use − and count back.

Key Terms

Subtract/Minus (−): Take away from a number to find how many remain.
Difference: How much more or less one amount is than another (e.g., 14 − 6 = 8).
Count Back: A mental method: jump backwards on a number line to subtract.

Warm up first: try the Subtraction Game before starting the quiz.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What words mean subtraction in KS1 word problems?

Common subtraction clues include left, take away, gave away, spent, fewer, and how many are left. These suggest using the − operation.

How do I know if a question needs add or subtract?

If the story talks about removing or losing items, choose subtraction. If it combines or puts together amounts, choose addition.

What does “find the difference” mean?

It means work out how far apart two amounts are by subtracting the smaller from the larger, for example 12 − 7 = 5.

Try These Related Quizzes

Question 1

17 minus which number = 5?

Minus means to take away. 17 - 12 = 5

Question 2

What is the symbol for subtraction?

This sign means to subtract or take away

Question 3

Which word could be used in this number sentence?
15 ___ 9 = 6

plus

divided by

add

minus

Minus means to subtract

Question 4

8 is the difference between which 2 numbers?

2 and 4

12 and 20

6 and 10

12 and 14

To find the difference, subtract the smaller number from the larger one

Question 5

I have 15 cakes and eat 6. How many are left?

'How many left' is a clue that this is a subtraction

Question 6

How much is 6 less than 18?

'Less than' is a subtraction word - you could also count backwards

Question 7

What is 16 take away 6?

'Take away' is another way of saying subtract

Question 8

What is the difference between 12 and 5?

One is odd, one is even

One is 2-digit, the other isn't

The 1st and 3rd options are differences but in maths 'difference' means subtract. To find the difference, subtract the smaller number from the larger one

Question 9

Which of the following is not a subtraction word?

Take away

Subtract

Multiply

Minus

Multiply does not mean subtract

Question 10

Which word could be used in this number sentence?
12 ___ 5 = 7

add

subtract

plus

total

Subtract means to take away

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Adding and subtracting

Author: Angela Smith (Primary School Teacher & KS1 Quiz Writer)

**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**

Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions.
Ready for more?

🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's
not all...

🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other
quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.

Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉

Subscribe & Play

**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**

Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions. Ready for more?

🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's not all...

🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.

Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉

Subscribe & Play

Contact Details

Education Quizzes

Heron's Way, Wragg Marsh
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE12 6HH
England

Email

admin@educationquizzes.com

Customer Service

Home Page Parents Students Tutors Teachers
Colour Filters Safe AI
Your Account

Here To Help

About Us

Our Team Testimonials Parent Reviews Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy

Leave Feedback