Subtraction as Difference Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Rosa has 8 grapes. Tom has 5 grapes. How many MORE grapes does Rosa have than Tom?

Solution

  1. 1
    We want to find the difference between 8 and 5.
  2. 2
    Write: \(8 - 5 = ?\)
  3. 3
    Count up from 5 to 8: 6, 7, 8 — that is 3 steps.
  4. 4
    Rosa has 3 more grapes than Tom.

Answer

3 more grapes
Subtraction as difference compares two amounts to see how much more one has than the other. The difference between 8 and 5 is 3.

About Subtraction as Difference

Understanding subtraction as finding the gap or difference between two quantities, rather than just 'taking away.' This comparison model asks 'how many more?' or 'how far apart?'

Learn more about Subtraction as Difference →

More Subtraction as Difference Examples

Example 2 medium

A red tower has 11 blocks. A blue tower has 6 blocks. How many fewer blocks does the blue tower have

Example 3 easy

Ana has 7 stickers. Ben has 4 stickers. How many more stickers does Ana have?

Example 4 medium

Mia collected 14 seashells and Jake collected 9 seashells. What is the difference in the number of s

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