Subtraction Principle Worksheets
What is the Subtraction Principle? There is more than one way to count anything. The world of mathematics teaches us that there are different ways to resolve different problems. Thus, one of those profound counting methods is the subtraction principle. The subtraction principle states that if you have a subset A from a universal set U, then according to the principle, A = U – A. Let's take a real-world example, and you want to find the number of action figures you have from your set of 50 toys. Now, you know that you don't like other toys, so you decided to count them instead. You learned that you have around 13 toys that are not action figures. Now, you can just subtract these toys from your total number of toys, i.e., 50 -13 = 37. There you go, you now know that you have 37 action figures with you.
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Basic Lesson
Demonstrates how to subtract from both sides of an equation. Practice problems are provided. If we add or subtract same number to both sides, balance is maintained.
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Intermediate Lesson
Explains how to solve for a variable that includes subtraction. Practice problems are provided. This is called solving the equation and finding the value of variable y by the subtraction principle.
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Independent Practice 1
Find the value of the variable. The answers can be found below.
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Homework Worksheet
12 Subtraction Principle problems for students to work on at home. Example problems are provided and explained.
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A Non-math equation, interpreted by a mathematician:
"What is born must eventually die."
"What is sold by someone is bought by another."
Patricia Clark Kenschaft, Math Power