---
title: "Representing Addition and Subtraction"
description: "Represent addition and subtraction using objects, drawings, and mental images"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/representing-addition-and-subtraction-mt_PgsHGYJMH-
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/representing-addition-and-subtraction-mt_PgsHGYJMH-.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Representing Addition and Subtraction

Represent addition and subtraction using objects, drawings, and mental images

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Addition & Subtraction · Ages 4 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/representing-addition-and-subtraction-mt_PgsHGYJMH-

## Ready when they can

- Use cubes or counters to model addition and subtraction within 10
- Draw and check a picture that shows a subtraction situation
- Use fingers to model a small addition or subtraction problem

## Lesson: Showing addition and subtraction

You have joined groups and taken things away. Show each thing with one block, counter, finger, or mark. Addition joins groups. You can say 'plus'. Show both groups and count each thing once. You can also picture the groups in your mind.

*(drawing: 2 blocks and 2 more blocks make 4. Count both groups.)*

**Example.** To show subtraction, draw the starting group. Cross out one mark for each thing taken away. Count only the marks without crosses. Mia draws 6 apples and crosses out 1. She counts 5 apples left.

For 2 plus 1, raise 2 fingers on one hand and 1 on the other. Count all 3 raised fingers. For 5 take away 3, raise 5 fingers and fold 3 down. Count the 2 fingers still up.

**Example.** Check both numbers in a model. For 7 take away 4, draw 7 dots and cross out 4. If only 1 has a cross, keep crossing dots and counting the crosses until you reach 4. With counters, move 4 away. Count only the counters that stayed.

**Example.** Follow each change in order. For 1 block, 1 more, and 2 more, draw all three groups. Count 4 blocks. For 2 apples and 2 more, draw 4 apples. Then cross out 2 to show 2 taken away. Count the 2 apples left.

**Recap.** Show your addition and subtraction with objects, drawings, or fingers.

*Lesson and practice text written for this dataset.*

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-)
- [Subtraction as taking away or separating](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/subtraction-as-taking-away-or-separating-mt_zuKAX6lcYR)

## Opens up

- [Real-World to Maths Connections](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/real-world-to-maths-connections-mt_IM1G_7QzTa)
- [Addition and subtraction word problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-and-subtraction-word-problems-mt_yJmvUCCym7)