Grade 1 Math

Subtraction to 10

Subtraction to 10 helps children practise taking away small numbers while staying between 0 and 10. Read the short guide, solve one task online, and print a worksheet for extra repetition.

How to solve this

  • Start with the first number.
  • Count back the second number one step at a time.
  • The number you reach is the answer.

Examples

8 - 3 = ?

5

? - 2 = 4

6

What children practice

  • take-away stories
  • counting back carefully
  • finding a missing starting number

Practice online

Try one short exercise in the browser.

Printable worksheet

Create a fresh printable worksheet with an answer key for extra practice on paper.

Related topics

Back to Grade 1 Math Previous topic: Addition to 10 Next topic: Number Bonds to 10
Addition to 10Number Bonds to 10Numbers to 10

FAQ

What should children know before subtraction to 10?

It helps if children are already comfortable with addition to 10 and counting backwards.

What can we do if subtraction to 10 feels hard?

Show the whole set first and cover or remove some objects. Children often understand subtraction faster when they can see what is left.

How much practice is enough?

A short round of 5 to 10 minutes is usually enough for first graders. Stop while the child is still focused.