How do you subtract using counters?

To subtract using counters, start with a group of counters representing the minuend (the number you are subtracting from). Next, remove a number of counters equal to the subtrahend (the number you are subtracting). The remaining counters represent the difference, or the result of the subtraction. For example, if you have 5 counters and want to subtract 2, you would remove 2 counters, leaving you with 3 counters.