Inverse Operations - Subtraction for Kids - How to Subtract

What is inverse operation in math? Inverse operation in math is all about using the three numbers in the mathematical equation in different orders and subtracting them from one another to double check the first answer that the kid got in the first trial.

Subtraction is one of the different mathematical operations that are found in the world of math and which comes in addition to addition, multiplication and division. There are different techniques and math games that are used for teaching kids subtraction, in this educational video we are depending on the main written technique but Michelle intended to use the help of the building blocks or the cubes as they are sometimes referred to.

The inverse operations or the inverse math as it is also known is the technique of changing the position of the numbers of the equation itself in order to double check the answer you have reached. One of the examples is 4 + 1 = 5 that is the answer for the equation that we all know and which the kids could even calculate on their own fingers, but in order for them to double check this answer, they could change the places of the numbers in the equation and thus it would either be 5 - 1 = 4 or else 5 - 4 = 1. This means that the answer that one reached at the beginning is right since the other two equations would bring the two other numbers in the equation.

Using the building blocks or the cubes is helpful at this point because the kids could do their equations on it, they could keep changing the position of the numbers which they have already created from these Lego pieces and see what the final answer would turn out to be. It is really interesting to play this subtraction game with the kids while trying to teach them what the inverse operation is and why it is considered important.

At an early age, kids might not understand what double check means or how they are supposed to do it when it comes to math, and that is exactly when parents are supposed to teach the kid what is inverse operation and how it could help them to double check their answer especially when it comes to addition and subtraction and tell them that this is the way they will be double checking their answer.

The main purpose behind teaching kids math at home or in school is to give them the chance to implement it on the daily real life they are living, which is also the reason why parents could teach them through questions they impose throughout the day by asking them to count, add or subtract something for them. This will always train the kids and make them more able to handle the different mathematical operations they face.

Do your kids know what inverse operation means? Teach them the importance of double checking through using the inverse operations and let us see how it is going to work out with them.

If you have any questions regarding addition and subtraction then let us know about them and give us the chance to help you :-)!

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