What does subtraction represent according to the Blueprint for Change?

Subtraction is often viewed as the operation that determines how far apart two numbers are. This definition aligns well with the concept of measuring the distance between values on a number line. For example, if you subtract 3 from 8, you find that there are 5 units (or "how far apart") between the numbers 3 and 8. This perspective helps to deepen students' understanding of subtraction as not just taking away but as a comparison of quantities.

Viewing subtraction in this way allows for broader applications, such as understanding negative numbers and distance in more complex mathematical contexts. By focusing on the concept of "how far apart," students can relate subtraction to real-world situations where measuring differences between quantities is necessary, such as in finance, statistics, and various problem-solving scenarios.