• Using Subtraction in the Workplace • 5

 Applied Math Level 3

Adding and subtracting are the most basic forms of mathematical problem-solving you are likely to do in most jobs. You know that adding is putting amounts together. Subtracting is taking an amount away from another or finding a difference.  

To help, remember these Word Clues for Subtraction:   

Reduce Decrease Debit Fewer than How much less? 

Remaining Difference Lower Loss How many left over?

Subtraction is a crucial skill in the workplace, used in budgeting, inventory management, financial analysis, and problem-solving. Here are some engaging hands-on activities to teach Using Subtraction in the Workplace, along with a materials list:

Hands-On Activities

1. Expense Reduction Exercise
   
   

   • Activity: Participants subtract expenses to determine cost savings for a workplace project.

   • Materials:

     • Budget worksheets.

     • Pens and calculators.

2. Stock Management
   
   

   • Activity: Participants subtract sold items from inventory to track remaining stock.

   • Materials:

     • Inventory sheets.

     • Sample product labels.

3. Payroll Adjustments
   
   

   • Activity: Participants subtract deductions (e.g., taxes, benefits) from gross wages to calculate net pay.

   • Materials:

     • Payroll sheets.

     • Sample employee schedules.

4. Workplace Scheduling
   
   

   • Activity: Participants subtract completed work hours from total required hours to determine remaining shifts.

   • Materials:

     • Scheduling templates.

     • Pens and markers.

5. Profit and Loss Analysis
   
   

   • Activity: Participants subtract expenses from revenue to determine net profit or loss.

   • Materials:

     • Financial statement templates.

     • Pens and calculators.

Materials List

• Paper: Graph paper, plain sheets, worksheets.

• Writing Tools: Pens, pencils, markers, highlighters.

• Calculators: Basic and scientific calculators.

• Scenario Cards: Pre-written real-life math problems.

• Sorting Trays: For organizing numbers and calculations.

• Budget and Payroll Templates: Printable worksheets for financial calculations.

• Inventory and Sales Sheets: Tracking templates for workplace applications.

These activities make subtraction practical and engaging in workplace scenarios. You can explore more workplace math strategies here.