The Language of Addition and Subtraction

The Language of Addition and Subtraction

The words we use in addition (add)

Plus

The sum of

More than

Increased by

In all

In total

What are some ways we say 3 + 7

Three plus seven

Three increased by seven

Three more than seven

The sum of three and seven

The total of three and seven

Using addition in real life

John and Mary want to buy a game that costs $25. John has $13 and Mary has $16. How much money do they have in all?

How much?

John has $13

Mary has $16

13 + 16 = 29

They have $29 in all 

Another way....

It was 38 degrees outside this morning. If the temperature increases by 20 degrees by lunchtime, what will the temperature be then?

Outside temperature

temperature now: 38 degrees

increases by: 20 degrees

38 + 20 = 58

It will be 58 degrees outside at lunchtime.

Subtraction (subtract)

minus

less

decreased by

fewer

less than

fewer than

How can we say 8 - 5?

Eight minus five

Eight less five

Eight decreased by five

The difference of eight and five

Five less than eight

Five fewer than eight

Real life subtraction in English

Noor has $25 less the $3 she paid for a coffee at Starbucks. How much money does she have now?

How much is left?

Noor had $25

less $3

25 - 3 = 22

Noor has $22 left

Special Language

"less than" and "fewer than" are tricky

eight less five means 8 - 5

but...

eight less than five means 5 - 8

Examples....

Ten less than thirty is : 30 - 10

Fifteen fewer than twenty-eight is: 28 - 15

Multiple Choice

What is twelve minus six?

• 12 - 6

• 6 - 12

Multiple Choice

What is eleven fewer than twenty?

• 11 - 20

• 20 - 11

Multiple Choice

What is ten increased by nine?

• 10 + 9

• 10 - 9

Multiple Choice

What is seven more than 15?

• 7 + 15

• 7 - 15

Multiple Choice

What is twenty less than thirty-five?

• 20 - 35

• 35 - 20