Subtraction is not Commutative
Subtraction is the operation of taking away one number from another. It is important to understand that subtraction is not commutative, meaning that the order of the numbers matters when subtracting.
When you subtract one number from another, the order of the numbers changes the result. For example, if you have the equation 5 - 3, the result is 2. However, if you reverse the order and solve 3 - 5, the result is -2. This shows that the order of the numbers changes the result of the subtraction.
Here's an example to illustrate this:
| Subtraction | Result |
|---|---|
| 5 - 3 | 2 |
| 3 - 5 | -2 |
It is important for students to understand that subtraction is not commutative, as this will help them solve problems accurately and avoid mistakes when subtracting numbers.
[Subtraction Is Not Commutative] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Math Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. Subtraction is not Commutative
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Subtraction is not Commutative 
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Subtraction is not Commutative Worksheet/Answer key
Subtraction is not Commutative Worksheet/Answer key
Subtraction is not Commutative Vocabulary/Answer key
Subtraction is not Commutative
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Number and Operations (NCTM)
Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.
Develop a sense of whole numbers and represent and use them in flexible ways, including relating, composing, and decomposing numbers.
Connect number words and numerals to the quantities they represent, using various physical models and representations.
Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.
Develop fluency with basic number combinations for addition and subtraction.
Algebra (NCTM)
Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships.
Model situations that involve the addition and subtraction of whole numbers, using objects, pictures, and symbols.
Grade 2 Curriculum Focal Points (NCTM)
Number and Operations and Algebra: Developing quick recall of addition facts and related subtraction facts and fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction
Children use their understanding of addition to develop quick recall of basic addition facts and related subtraction facts. They solve arithmetic problems by applying their understanding of models of addition and subtraction (such as combining or separating sets or using number lines), relationships and properties of number (such as place value), and properties of addition (commutativity and associativity). Children develop, discuss, and use efficient, accurate, and generalizable methods to add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers. They select and apply appropriate methods to estimate sums and differences or calculate them mentally, depending on the context and numbers involved. They develop fluency with efficient procedures, including standard algorithms, for adding and subtracting whole numbers, understand why the procedures work (on the basis of place value and properties of operations), and use them to solve problems.