Operations with the Abacus: Static subtraction (without change)

What materials are needed to do static subtraction done with the Abacus?

In this activity, the child learns a different way of doing subtraction. The directress needs the abacus, the expanded notation cards, markers, and a cloth for this activity.

Operations with the Abacus: Static subtraction

Operations with the Abacus: Static subtraction

How static subtraction is done using the Abacus

The directress begins the activity by reminding the child about the Abacus and how it works, as well as reminding him about the (-) and (+) sign. She then shows the child the operation on the expanded notation card (6758 - 2345)

The directress tells the child to only build the minuend on the abacus starting with the units. He follows her instruction and brings 8 unit beads forward. The directress explains to the child that they need to take away the subtrahend which is 5 units, the child does so by pushing 5 units back and counting the remaining units (3) The directress reminds him to record the answer in the correct column, using the correct coloured marker.

The child is encouraged to follow the same procedure with the tens, hundreds, and thousands, ensuring the record the answer in the correct column, using the correct colour marker. Once he has completed the operation, the directress shows the child where to check his answer, and assists him in packing the work away.

Looking for more Montessori activities?

Here is a list of all the Montessori Maths activities including Early Maths, Introduction to the Decimal System, Seguin Boards, The Hundred Board, The Short Bead Stair, Bead Chains, The Snake Game, Group Operations, The Large Number Rods, Recording with the Small Number Rods, The Short Bead Stair, The Strip Boards, The Boards, The Stamp Game, The Abacus, The Dot Game, and Fractions. Just click on the page you want to learn about to go there.

Early Maths

Introduction to the Decimal System

The Short Bead Stair

Seguin Boards

The Hundred Board

Bead Chains

The Snake Game

Group Operations

Large Number Rods

Recording with the Small Number Rods

The Short Bead Stair

The Strip Boards

The Boards

The Stamp Game

The Abacus

The Dot Game

Fractions