Writing a Subtraction Statement Up to 10

A subtraction statement, sometimes called a number sentence, is a short way to write down a taking away story using numbers and symbols instead of words. Once a child has practiced taking away with objects up to 10, the next step is putting that same idea into a written statement, like \( 8 - 5 = 3 \).

Every subtraction statement uses two symbols: the minus sign, which means "take away," and the equals sign, which means "is the same as." Together with three numbers, these symbols tell a complete story of a group getting smaller.

A subtraction statement up to 10 always has the same three parts, in the same order:

• The starting number, which shows how many objects there were at the beginning.
• The number taken away, which comes right after the minus sign.
• The number left over, which comes right after the equals sign.

For example, in \( 6 - 2 = 4 \), there were 6 objects to start, 2 were taken away, and 4 are left.

To write a subtraction statement from a picture, first count all the objects in the group. Write that number, then the minus sign. Next, count how many objects are marked out, covered up, or moved away, and write that number after the minus sign. Finally, count what is left and write it after the equals sign.

Using the apple picture above: there are 7 apples total, 3 are crossed out, and 4 remain, so the statement is \( 7 - 3 = 4 \). If children are still finding it tricky to fill in each number correctly, the practice page on how to complete the subtraction statement up to 10 offers more guided examples.

Subtraction statements can also come from a short story instead of a picture. Read the story carefully to find the starting number and the number that is removed.

Example: "There are 9 birds on a fence. 4 birds fly away. How many birds are left?" Since 9 birds is the starting group and 4 fly away, the subtraction statement is \( 9 - 4 = 5 \), because 5 birds are left. Once a child can pull the right numbers out of a story like this, they are ready for more practice with subtraction word problems up to 10.

After writing a subtraction statement, it is a good habit to check it by counting again. Count the total group, count the ones removed, and count what is left over to make sure it matches the number after the equals sign. This step builds confidence that the statement, such as \( 10 - 6 = 4 \), truly matches the picture or story it came from.

Related lessons

• Kindergarten