Why Is Subtraction Harder Than Addition ?

Have you ever wondered why subtraction seems more challenging than addition ? Many people, from children learning basic arithmetic to adults handling complex calculations, often find subtraction trickier. In this blog post, we’re going to delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring the cognitive and psychological factors at play.

Understanding the Mental Process Behind Addition and Subtraction

The Mechanics of Addition and Subtraction

Addition, in its most basic form, is a simple process: it involves combining numbers together. On the other hand, subtraction, which entails taking one number away from another, requires a slightly different mental approach. This difference in approach can make subtraction seem more complicated.

The Role of Counting Sequence in Learning

Catherine Thevenot, a renowned researcher in learning psychology, explained that children learn to count numbers in ascending order. This early learning influences their ability to subtract later on as they tend to do reversed additions instead of real subtractions.

As we delve deeper into the foundations of mathematical learning, let’s keep this critical point in mind.

The Pedagogical Foundations of Mathematical Learning

The Early Emphasis on Addition

Educational programmes often place an emphasis on addition from an early age. Because children are taught to count incrementally first, they naturally become more comfortable with adding numbers together.

The Introduction of Subtraction

When subtraction is introduced, learners have to develop new problem-solving skills. Instead of simply combining numbers as they do with addition, they must now figure out how many are left once a particular quantity has been removed – a considerably different task.

Let’s consider next how our working memory plays a role in these mathematical operations.

The Role of Working Memory in Mathematical Operations

Working Memory and Addition

In an addition problem, we typically add numbers together sequentially, which is a familiar and straightforward process for our working memory.

Working Memory and Subtraction

Subtraction, on the other hand, calls for a more complex operation. It necessitates remembering the original number, comprehending what needs to be taken away from it, and then executing that subtraction. This additional complexity can strain working memory more than addition does.

Let’s now explore the cognitive hurdles we encounter when dealing with subtraction.

Cognitive Obstacles Encountered During Subtraction

The Challenge of Reverse Counting

Subtraction often involves backward counting, which goes against our ingrained habit of counting upwards. This reversal can create confusion and slow down the calculation process.

Next up, let’s delve into why we naturally lean towards addition.

Natural Preference for Addition: psychological and Neurological Influences

Addition as a Natural Tendency

Studies have shown that even babies react similarly to adding or removing objects. However, due to factors such as verbalizing in increasing order and an early emphasis on addition in schooling, children eventually resort to reversing addition instead of performing true subtractions.

After understanding these hurdles and biases towards addition, it becomes crucial to discuss strategies to overcome them.

Strategies for Overcoming Subtraction Challenges Among Learners

Promoting Understanding over Memorization

Encourage learners to understand the logic behind subtraction rather than relying solely on rote memorization. Introducing varied activities from kindergarten onwards will help reinforce their numerical skills.

We’ll now examine the impact cognitive biases have on our ease with addition.

The Impact of Cognitive Biases on Our Ease to Add

Effect of Cognitive Biases

Our brains like simplicity and familiarity, which is why we find it easier to add numbers together. This preference for addition can be attributed to cognitive biases formed during our early learning experiences.

Finally, let’s delve into pedagogical tools that can help balance mastery in both addition and subtraction.

Pedagogical Methods and Tools to Balance Mastery of Addition and Subtraction

A Variety of Learning Activities

Including diverse activities like reciting counting rhymes backwards or solving small anticipation problems in early childhood education can strengthen children’s numerical skills and improve their understanding of subtraction.

Overall, the difficulty many people experience with subtraction compared to addition is influenced by a complex interplay of cognitive abilities, memory function, learning processes, and educational practices. By adopting varied teaching strategies and encouraging an understanding-based approach, we can help learners overcome their challenges with subtraction.