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Subtracting on a Number Line
(KS2, Year 4)

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A number line can be used to subtract numbers.number_line_subtractImagine we wanted to find 7 − 3.

How to Subtract on a Number Line

Subtracting on a number line is easy.

Question

Use a number line to find 7 − 3.

Step-by-Step:

1

Find 7 on the number line.
7 − 3
number line subtract step 1

2

Move 3 to the left along the number line.
7 − 3
number line subtract step 2

3

Read off the number you have reached. number_line_subtract_step_3

Answer:

7 − 3 = 4

Lesson Slides

The slider below shows another real example of how to subtract on a number line.

Top Tip

To Subtract, Go Left

Subtracting means going left on a number line. subtracting_left
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This page was written by Stephen Clarke.

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Worksheet

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