How do you identify whether to add or subtract?

Look at the keywords in the question: • Words like “more,” “total,” or “get” mean addition • Words like “left,” “give,” or “lose” mean subtraction

Give and Take: Class 3 NCERT With Practice Questions

maths

Ankita SinghAnkita Singh – CTE Specialist & Educator Ankita Singh, a post-graduate with a specialization in CTE, brings over 8 years of teaching experience, including 4+ years with PlanetSpark. She has been empowering children worldwide with effective communication and learning skills, fostering confidence and growth in every student.

Last Updated At: 16 Apr 2026

19 min read

Table of Contents

What is Give and Take?
Understanding Addition as “Give”
Understanding Subtraction as “Take”
Real-Life Examples of Give and Take
How to Solve Give and Take Questions Easily
Column Method for Addition and Subtraction
Borrowing Made Simple (Subtraction Trick)
Practice Questions on Give and Take
Challenge Questions for Smart Kids
How PlanetSpark Helps Kids Learn Give and Take Better
Conclusion

Math becomes fun when we connect it with daily life. One of the most interesting topics that helps kids understand numbers better is give and take. It is not just about solving sums, but about understanding how numbers increase and decrease in real situations.

Every day, children experience give and take without even realizing it. When they share chocolates with friends, spend pocket money, or receive gifts, they are actually using basic math skills. This concept builds a strong foundation for addition and subtraction in a very natural way.

Instead of memorizing formulas, kids learn by observing and imagining situations. For example, if a child has 5 candies and gets 3 more, they quickly understand that the total becomes 8. Similarly, if they give away 2 candies, they can easily figure out how many are left.

Give and take is not just a chapter. It is a life skill that helps children make sense of the world around them.

What is Give and Take?

Give and take is a simple way to understand how numbers increase and decrease. When we get something, we add. When we give something away, we subtract.

Think of it like a game where numbers are always changing depending on what happens.

Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way:

Give = You lose something → Subtraction
Take (or receive) = You gain something → Addition

Imagine this situation:

You have 10 balloons.
Your friend gives you 5 more balloons.

Now you have:
10 + 5 = 15 balloons

This is called “taking” or receiving, which means addition.

Now imagine another situation:

You have 15 balloons.
You give 4 balloons to your friend.

Now you have:
15 − 4 = 11 balloons

This is called “giving,” which means subtraction.

To make it even clearer, here is a simple comparison:

Action	Meaning	Operation
Take / Receive	Getting more	Addition
Give / Lose	Reducing amount	Subtraction

This concept becomes easier when kids imagine real-life stories.

For example:

If you get extra pocket money, your total money increases
If you buy a toy, your money decreases
If someone shares snacks with you, your snacks increase

These small examples help children connect math with their daily life.

Here are some fun ways to understand give and take better:

Use toys or candies to practice
Act out situations with friends or family
Draw pictures to show addition and subtraction
Turn it into a storytelling activity

For instance, you can create a story like:

“Riya had 8 cookies. Her mother gave her 2 more. Later, she shared 3 cookies with her brother.”

Now kids can solve step by step:

First add: 8 + 2 = 10
Then subtract: 10 − 3 = 7

This step-by-step thinking helps them understand how numbers change.

Give and take is not about memorizing steps. It is about understanding what is happening in the situation. Once kids understand this idea, solving questions becomes very easy and even fun.

Understanding Addition as “Give”

Addition is one of the easiest and most fun parts of give and take. When we talk about addition, we are actually talking about situations where something is added to what we already have. In simple words, addition means getting more.

Think about times when you receive something. Maybe your parents give you chocolates, your friend shares toys, or you win a prize in school. In all these situations, the total number of things you have increases. This increase is called addition.

Let’s understand this step by step:

You have 6 pencils
Your teacher gives you 4 more pencils

Now count:
6 + 4 = 10 pencils

Here, you received more pencils, so the total increased. That is why we used addition.

Addition is everywhere around us. Kids experience it daily without even realizing it. The goal is to help them recognize these situations and connect them with numbers.

Here are some common real-life examples:

Getting extra pocket money
Receiving gifts on birthdays
Collecting stickers or toys
Adding more fruits to a basket

Let’s look at a few examples in a table format:

Situation	Numbers	Result
You have 3 apples, get 2 more	3 + 2	5 apples
You have 10 rupees, get 5 more	10 + 5	15 rupees
You have 7 toys, get 3 more	7 + 3	10 toys

Addition can also be understood as combining two groups together.

For example:
If one basket has 5 mangoes and another basket has 4 mangoes, when you combine them, you get:
5 + 4 = 9 mangoes

To make learning more fun, kids can try these activities:

Count objects like buttons, candies, or pencils
Use fingers to add small numbers
Draw pictures and combine groups
Play simple addition games

Another helpful way to understand addition is by using a number line.

Imagine a number line:

Start at 5
Move 3 steps forward

You reach 8

This shows:
5 + 3 = 8

Moving forward means adding.

Here are some quick practice examples:

8 + 2 = ___
15 + 5 = ___
9 + 6 = ___

Encourage kids to solve these using real objects or fingers. It builds better understanding.

Addition becomes easy when children realize that it is just about getting more or combining things. Once they are comfortable with this idea, they can solve bigger problems without fear.

“Small steps in math lead to big confidence.”
Help your child master numbers with PlanetSpark’s interactive maths course.

Understanding Subtraction as “Take”

Subtraction is the opposite of addition. While addition means getting more, subtraction means losing something or giving something away. In simple words, subtraction means taking away.

Whenever something is removed from what we have, the total becomes smaller. This decrease is called subtraction.

Let’s understand with a simple example:

You have 10 candies
You give 3 candies to your friend

Now count:
10 − 3 = 7 candies left

Here, you gave away candies, so the total decreased. That is why we used subtraction.

Subtraction is also something kids experience every day. It happens whenever they spend, share, or lose something.

Here are some common situations:

Sharing chocolates with friends
Spending money on toys
Losing pencils or erasers
Eating snacks from a box

Let’s understand with a table:

Situation	Numbers	Result
You have 12 balloons, give 5 away	12 − 5	7 balloons
You have 20 rupees, spend 8	20 − 8	12 rupees
You have 9 cookies, eat 2	9 − 2	7 cookies

Subtraction can also be seen as finding what is left.

For example:
If there are 15 students in a class and 5 go out, how many are left?
15 − 5 = 10 students

Another way to understand subtraction is by using a number line.

Start at 10
Move 4 steps backward

You reach 6

This shows:
10 − 4 = 6

Moving backward means subtracting.

Sometimes subtraction can feel tricky, especially when numbers are bigger. But using simple tricks can help:

Use fingers for small numbers
Cross out objects in drawings
Count backward slowly
Break numbers into smaller parts

Let’s try a step-by-step example:

You have 14 chocolates. You give 6 to your friend.

Step 1: Start with 14
Step 2: Take away 6
Step 3: Count what is left

Answer: 8 chocolates

Here are some quick practice questions:

15 − 3 = ___
18 − 7 = ___
20 − 10 = ___

Subtraction becomes easy when kids understand that it is simply about taking away or reducing. Once they connect it with real-life situations, solving problems becomes much simpler and more interesting.

Real-Life Examples of Give and Take

Learning give and take becomes much easier when children see how it works in their daily life. Instead of only solving numbers on paper, kids understand better when they imagine real situations. This makes math fun, practical, and easy to remember.

Every day, we use addition and subtraction without even thinking about it. Let’s explore some simple real-life examples that children can easily relate to.

Daily Life Situations

You have 20 rupees and your parents give you 10 more → total becomes 30 (addition)
You have 30 rupees and buy a chocolate for 15 → left with 15 (subtraction)
You have 5 toys and your friend gives you 2 more → total becomes 7
You have 10 candies and share 4 with your sibling → left with 6

These situations help kids understand that numbers are always changing based on what we give or take.

Shopping Example

Imagine going to a shop:

Action	What Happens	Math Used
You receive money	Total increases	Addition
You buy something	Money decreases	Subtraction

Example:

You have ₹50
You buy a toy for ₹20

Now:
50 − 20 = ₹30 left

Sharing with Friends

Sharing is one of the best ways to understand give and take.

Example:

You have 12 chocolates
You give 3 to your friend

Now:
12 − 3 = 9 chocolates left

But if your friend gives you 2 chocolates later:
9 + 2 = 11 chocolates

School Example

In school, kids can see many situations:

Teacher gives extra worksheets → increase
Some students leave the classroom → decrease
New students join → increase

Story-Based Example

Let’s understand with a short story:

“Arjun had 8 marbles. His friend gave him 5 more marbles. Later, he lost 3 marbles while playing.”

Step-by-step:

First: 8 + 5 = 13
Then: 13 − 3 = 10

So, Arjun has 10 marbles left.

Stories like this help kids think step by step and understand how numbers change.

Fun Activity for Kids

Try this at home:

Take some coins or candies
Add or remove them
Count after each step

This hands-on method makes learning more exciting.

Why Real-Life Examples Matter

Helps kids understand faster
Makes math less scary
Improves memory
Builds confidence

When children connect numbers with real situations, they stop memorizing and start understanding. This is the best way to learn give and take.

“Learning becomes fun when concepts are clear.”
Boost your child’s math skills with PlanetSpark’s engaging learning program.

How to Solve Give and Take Questions Easily

Solving give and take questions becomes very simple when kids follow a few easy steps. Instead of getting confused, they can break the problem into small parts and solve it step by step.

Step-by-Step Method

Here is a simple method kids can follow:

Read the question carefully
Understand what is happening
Decide whether to add or subtract
Solve step by step
Check the answer

Let’s understand this with an example:

“Riya has 15 candies. Her friend gives her 5 more. How many candies does she have now?”

Step 1: Riya has 15 candies
Step 2: She gets 5 more (this means addition)
Step 3: 15 + 5 = 20

Answer: 20 candies

How to Identify Addition or Subtraction

Kids often get confused about which operation to use. Here is a simple trick:

Words in Question	What to Do
Get, receive, total, more	Addition
Give, spend, left, lose	Subtraction

Breaking Big Problems

Sometimes questions have more than one step. In such cases, solve one step at a time.

Example:

“Rahul has 20 rupees. He gets 10 more from his father. Then he spends 15 rupees.”

Step 1: 20 + 10 = 30
Step 2: 30 − 15 = 15

Answer: Rahul has ₹15 left

Using Simple Tricks

Kids can use different methods to solve easily:

Use fingers for small numbers
Draw objects and cross them out
Use a number line
Break numbers into smaller parts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not reading the question properly
Using the wrong operation
Forgetting to check the answer
Skipping steps in multi-step problems

Practice Table

Let’s try a few examples:

Question	Operation	Answer
10 + 5	Addition	15
18 − 6	Subtraction	12
7 + 3	Addition	10
20 − 10	Subtraction	10

Fun Tip

Turn questions into stories. It becomes easier to understand.

Example:
Instead of reading “12 − 4,” think:
“I had 12 candies and gave 4 away.”

Now it becomes simple and relatable.

Why This Method Works

Makes questions easy to understand
Reduces confusion
Builds step-by-step thinking
Improves accuracy

With regular practice and the right approach, kids can solve give and take questions quickly and confidently.

“Practice today, confidence tomorrow.”
Enroll in PlanetSpark maths course for better understanding and daily practice.

Column Method for Addition and Subtraction

When numbers become bigger, solving them in the head can get confusing. That is why we use the column method. This method helps kids arrange numbers properly and solve them step by step without mistakes.

In the column method, numbers are written one below the other according to their place values:

Ones under ones
Tens under tens

This proper arrangement makes calculations easy and clear.

How to Do Addition Using Column Method

Let’s understand with an example:

Add 34 + 25

Step 1: Write numbers in columns

  34
+25
----

Step 2: Add ones place
4 + 5 = 9

Step 3: Add tens place
3 + 2 = 5

Final Answer:
59

Another Example

  47
+32
----

Ones: 7 + 2 = 9
Tens: 4 + 3 = 7

Answer: 79

Addition with Carry

Sometimes the sum of ones is more than 9. In that case, we carry over.

Example:

  28
+17
----

Step 1: Ones → 8 + 7 = 15
Write 5, carry 1

Step 2: Tens → 2 + 1 + 1 (carry) = 4

Answer: 45

How to Do Subtraction Using Column Method

Now let’s learn subtraction:

Example: 56 − 23

  56
-23
----

Step 1: Subtract ones
6 − 3 = 3

Step 2: Subtract tens
5 − 2 = 3

Answer: 33

Subtraction with Borrowing

Sometimes the top number is smaller. Then we borrow from the tens place.

Example:

  42
-18
----

Step 1: Ones → 2 is smaller than 8, so borrow 1 from 4
Now 2 becomes 12 and 4 becomes 3

Step 2: 12 − 8 = 4
Step 3: 3 − 1 = 2

Answer: 24

Quick Tips for Kids

Always write numbers neatly in columns
Start solving from the ones place
Don’t forget carry or borrow
Double-check your answer

Practice Table

Question	Answer
23 + 45	___
67 − 32	___
58 + 14	___
72 − 28	___

Why Column Method is Helpful

Makes big numbers easy
Reduces mistakes
Improves speed
Builds strong basics

Once kids practice this method regularly, they become faster and more confident in solving give and take problems.

“Every child can love math with the right guidance.”
Make give and take easy with PlanetSpark’s expert-led maths classes.

Borrowing Made Simple (Subtraction Trick)

Borrowing is a special trick used in subtraction when the top number is smaller than the bottom number. It may seem tricky at first, but once kids understand the idea, it becomes very easy.

What is Borrowing?

Borrowing means taking 1 from the tens place and adding it to the ones place.

Let’s understand why we need borrowing.

Example:
You want to solve:
31 − 7

Here, 1 is smaller than 7. So we cannot subtract directly. That’s when we borrow.

Step-by-Step Example

  31
- 7
----

Step 1: Borrow 1 from 3
Now 3 becomes 2 and 1 becomes 11

Step 2: Subtract ones
11 − 7 = 4

Step 3: Subtract tens
2 − 0 = 2

Answer: 24

Another Example

  52
-29
----

Step 1: Borrow from 5 → becomes 4
2 becomes 12

Step 2: 12 − 9 = 3
Step 3: 4 − 2 = 2

Answer: 23

Simple Trick to Remember

If the top number is smaller → borrow
Borrow from the next bigger place value
Add 10 to the smaller number

Visual Understanding

Think of it like this:

You have 1 ten and 2 ones (12).
If you need more ones, you break a ten into 10 ones.

So:
1 ten = 10 ones

This makes subtraction possible.

Common Mistakes Kids Make

Forgetting to reduce the tens after borrowing
Subtracting without borrowing when needed
Mixing up numbers

Fun Practice Questions

Try solving these:

41 − 9 = ___
63 − 28 = ___
70 − 35 = ___
82 − 47 = ___

Easy Practice Table

Question	Try Yourself
51 − 26	___
64 − 38	___
73 − 49	___
80 − 56	___

Borrowing may look difficult in the beginning, but with practice, it becomes one of the easiest parts of subtraction. It helps kids solve bigger problems with confidence and accuracy.

Practice Questions on Give and Take

Practice is the best way to understand give and take. The more kids solve questions, the more confident they become. These practice questions are designed in a fun and simple way so children can enjoy learning while improving their skills.

This section includes different types of questions:

Basic addition and subtraction
Fill in the blanks
Word problems
Mixed questions

Basic Questions

Solve these simple questions:

12 + 5 = ___
18 − 6 = ___
25 + 10 = ___
30 − 15 = ___
14 + 4 = ___
20 − 7 = ___

Fill in the Blanks

10 + ___ = 15
22 − ___ = 12
___ + 8 = 20
50 − ___ = 25

Match the Following

Question	Answer
10 + 5	8
12 − 4	15
9 + 6	5
7 − 2	15

Word Problems

Riya has 20 candies. Her friend gives her 10 more. How many candies does she have now?
Aman has 35 rupees. He spends 15 rupees. How much money is left?
There are 25 apples in a basket. 5 apples are added. What is the total number of apples?
Meena had 40 balloons. She gave 12 balloons to her friends. How many are left?

Mixed Questions

15 + 5 − 3 = ___
20 − 4 + 6 = ___
10 + 10 − 5 = ___
30 − 10 + 2 = ___

Picture-Based Activity (Fun Task)

Ask kids to:

Draw 10 candies
Cross out 3 candies
Count how many are left

Then:

Add 2 more candies
Count again

This activity helps them visually understand how numbers increase and decrease.

Tips for Practice

Solve slowly and carefully
Check answers after solving
Practice daily for better understanding
Use real objects like coins or toys

Regular practice helps kids become faster and more accurate. It also builds confidence and reduces fear of math.

“Strong basics build a brighter future.”
Give your child the advantage with PlanetSpark’s maths learning sessions.

Challenge Questions for Smart Kids

Now that kids have practiced basic questions, it’s time to try some fun and slightly tricky challenges. These questions help improve thinking skills and make learning more exciting.

Challenge questions are designed to:

Test understanding
Improve problem-solving
Encourage logical thinking

Tricky Addition and Subtraction

45 + 27 = ___
63 − 29 = ___
78 + 15 = ___
90 − 48 = ___

Multi-Step Questions

Rohan has 50 rupees. His mother gives him 20 more. He spends 30 rupees. How much money is left?
A box has 60 chocolates. 25 chocolates are given away. Then 10 more chocolates are added. How many chocolates are there now?
There are 40 students in a class. 10 students leave, and 5 new students join. How many students are there now?

Think and Solve

A number is 25 more than 10. What is the number?
A number is 15 less than 40. What is the number?
Add 20 to 35 and then subtract 10. What is the answer?

Find the Missing Number

___ + 15 = 40
60 − ___ = 25
___ − 10 = 30
45 + ___ = 70

Story Challenge

“Neha had 35 marbles. She found 15 more marbles while playing. Later, she gave 20 marbles to her friend.”

Step-by-step:

First add
Then subtract

Find the final answer.

Brain Booster Table

Question	Solve
55 + 35	___
80 − 45	___
29 + 18	___
100 − 60	___

Challenge questions may seem difficult at first, but they help kids think better and become stronger in give and take concepts.

Crack the Code of Math Success with PlanetSpark (2).png

How PlanetSpark Helps Kids Learn Give and Take Better

Learning becomes more effective when it is fun, interactive, and easy to understand. Many kids find math confusing when it is only taught through books. That is where platforms like PlanetSpark help children learn concepts like give and take in a much more engaging way.

PlanetSpark focuses on making learning simple by using real-life examples, storytelling, and interactive activities. Instead of just solving sums, kids understand the meaning behind addition and subtraction.

Interactive Learning Approach

One of the biggest advantages is that kids do not just memorize. They learn by doing.

Live classes with expert teachers
Activity-based learning methods
Real-life examples to explain concepts
Step-by-step problem solving

This helps children understand give and take in a practical way.

Conclusion

Give and take is one of the most important concepts that helps kids understand how numbers work in real life. It is not just about addition and subtraction, but about knowing when numbers increase and when they decrease.

By learning through real-life examples, simple methods, and regular practice, children can easily understand this concept. Activities like using objects, solving word problems, and practicing daily make learning more fun and effective.

When kids build a strong understanding of give and take, they become more confident in math and daily life situations. This simple concept becomes the foundation for solving bigger and more complex problems in the future.

“Understanding beats memorizing every time.”
Let PlanetSpark help your child truly understand maths concepts.

You must read:
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Frequently Asked Questions

Give and take is a simple way to understand addition and subtraction. When we get something, we add. When we give something away, we subtract.