Stage 1 · Number sense
Subtracting within 10
Ask: what adds on to get there?
How to do it
Method
Ask: what adds on to get there?
10 − 7: 7 + 3 = 10, so it's 3
Another way
Number bonds
10 splits into 7 and 3, so 10 − 7 = 3
In full
Don't count down. Ask 'what adds on to get there?' 10 − 7 is 'seven plus what makes ten' = 3. Subtraction is addition asked backwards.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
5 − 4
Show the answer and working
Answer: 5 − 4 = 1
Ask "4 plus what makes 5?", 4 + 1 = 5, so it's 1
Example 2
5 − 3
Show the answer and working
Answer: 5 − 3 = 2
Ask "3 plus what makes 5?", 3 + 2 = 5, so it's 2
Example 3
3 − 2
Show the answer and working
Answer: 3 − 2 = 1
Ask "2 plus what makes 3?", 2 + 1 = 3, so it's 1
Example 4
10 − 7
Show the answer and working
Answer: 10 − 7 = 3
Ask "7 plus what makes 10?", 7 + 3 = 10, so it's 3
Practise subtracting within 10 in the game →Stage 1 · Number sense · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download