📖 Learn Addition & Subtraction in English

🌟 Introduction

Addition and subtraction are the first steps of arithmetic. They help children in Upper Primary (Classes 3–5) solve daily life problems like counting money, calculating time, measuring distances, and solving higher math in the future.

This article explains what addition and subtraction are, why they are important, and how parents can teach them in simple and fun ways.

1️⃣ What Is Addition?

Addition means putting numbers together to find the total.

👉 Examples:

• 5 + 3 = 8
  
  

• 20 + 15 = 35
  
  

Real-Life Examples:

• Adding money (₹50 + ₹20 = ₹70)
  
  

• Counting apples (3 apples + 4 apples = 7 apples)
  
  

2️⃣ What Is Subtraction?

Subtraction means taking away or finding the difference between two numbers.

👉 Examples:

• 9 − 4 = 5
  
  

• 100 − 45 = 55
  
  

Real-Life Examples:

• If you have ₹500 and spend ₹125, the money left is ₹375
  
  

• If there are 30 students in a class and 5 leave, 25 are left
  
  

3️⃣ Why Addition & Subtraction Are Important

• Used in daily life: shopping, bills, travel, cooking
  
  

• Foundation for multiplication, division, fractions, and algebra
  
  

• Helps in problem-solving and logical thinking
  
  

• Improves mental calculation skills
  
  

4️⃣ Step-by-Step Teaching Method

🔹 Step 1: Use Objects

Start with things children can touch and count:

• 2 pencils + 3 pencils = 5 pencils
  
  

• 10 chocolates − 4 chocolates = 6 chocolates
  
  

🔹 Step 2: Use Number Line

Draw a line with numbers:

• For addition, move to the right
  
  

• For subtraction, move to the left
  
  

Example:

• 4 + 3 → Start at 4, move 3 steps right → 7
  
  

• 9 − 5 → Start at 9, move 5 steps left → 4
  
  

🔹 Step 3: Column Method (Carrying & Borrowing)

• Addition with Carrying:
  48 + 76 = 124 (carry 1 to the next column)
  
  

• Subtraction with Borrowing:
  402 − 175 = 227 (borrow from next column)
  
  

🔹 Step 4: Word Problems

Give real-life situations:

• A shopkeeper sells 125 apples on Monday and 145 on Tuesday. How many in total? (125 + 145 = 270)
  
  

• A bus has 85 passengers. At the next stop, 37 get down. How many remain? (85 − 37 = 48)
  
  

5️⃣ Fun Activities to Learn

• Shopping Game: Use fake money for addition and subtraction
  
  

• Flashcards: Write sums on cards for quick practice
  
  

• Mental Math Quiz: Parents ask quick questions like “What is 45 + 25?”
  
  

• Story Problems: Make short stories that include adding or subtracting
  
  

6️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to carry in addition
  
  

• Forgetting to borrow in subtraction
  
  

• Mixing up signs (+ and −)
  
  

• Not checking the answer after solving
  
  

🎯 Final Takeaway

Addition and subtraction are the building blocks of mathematics. By using objects, number lines, word problems, and fun games, children can master these skills. Parents should encourage daily short practice to make calculation fast and accurate.