Final answer:
To remove a greater number of positive counters from a smaller set, one must subtract counters. This is the only operation that can result in having fewer counters from an already smaller set, as adding, multiplying, and dividing do not lead to reduction in the initial count.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking how you can remove a greater number of positive counters from a smaller set of positive counters. The only mathematical operation that allows you to end up with fewer positive counters from a smaller set is to subtract counters. By subtracting, you are taking away a certain number of counters from your set, which can potentially lead to having fewer counters than you started with, if the number you are subtracting is larger and you are considering absolute values of counters.
Options such as adding more counters, multiplying counters, and dividing counters would not result in having a smaller set if you started with a smaller number. Adding would increase the number of counters, multiplying would increase the count exponentially based on what you are multiplying by, and dividing a smaller number of counters will not logically allow for a greater number removal.