Subtracting with Digits Up to 10

Subtracting is what happens when we start with a group of objects and some of them go away, get eaten, or get taken out. When we work with digits up to 10, we are always starting with a number no bigger than 10 and taking away a smaller amount from it. The answer tells us how many are left over.

For example, if there are 7 apples and 3 apples are eaten, subtraction tells us how many apples remain. We write this as \( 7 - 3 = 4 \). The minus sign, \( - \), is the symbol that means "take away."

A subtraction sentence like \( 7 - 3 = 4 \) has three parts:

• The first number, 7, is how many we started with.
• The second number, 3, is how many we took away.
• The number after the equals sign, 4, is how many are left, called the difference.

If you would like extra practice putting these parts together in the right order, the lesson on writing a subtraction statement up to 10 walks through that step by step.

One of the easiest ways to subtract with digits up to 10 is to draw the starting group, then cross out the amount being taken away. Whatever is left uncrossed is the answer.

This picture method connects closely with the lesson on taking away with objects up to 10, where real objects like counters or toys are used instead of drawings.

Another strategy for subtracting with digits up to 10 is counting back. Start at the larger number and count backward one number at a time for each amount being subtracted.

To solve \( 6 - 2 \), start at 6 and count back two numbers: 5, then 4. So \( 6 - 2 = 4 \).

To solve \( 9 - 4 \), start at 9 and count back four numbers: 8, 7, 6, then 5. So \( 9 - 4 = 5 \).

Counting back works well for small numbers being subtracted, usually 1, 2, or 3. For larger take-away amounts, moving along a number line can make counting easier and more accurate, which is covered in subtracting with a number line up to 10.

A quick way to check a subtraction answer is to add the difference back to the number that was taken away. If it matches the number you started with, the answer is correct.

For \( 7 - 3 = 4 \), check by adding: \( 4 + 3 = 7 \). Since this matches the starting number, the subtraction is correct.

Try these on your own using pictures, counters, or counting back:

• \( 5 - 2 = ? \)
• \( 8 - 5 = ? \)
• \( 10 - 6 = ? \)

Once these feel comfortable, practicing with real-life stories can help make subtraction feel more natural, which is exactly what happens in subtraction word problems.

Related lessons

• Kindergarten