Subtraction is the opposite of addition.
When you subtract, you take away from a number.
Subtracting 1 from a number is just like counting down by 1.
2 - 1 = 1
Think about it like jumping back one step on a number line:
Here are a few examples of subtracting 1:
3 - 1 = 2
10 - 1 = 9
13 - 1 = 12
20 - 1 = 19
Subtracting 2 is just like counting down by 2.
4 - 2 = 2
Think about it like jumping back two steps on a number line.
Here are more examples for subtracting 2 from a number:
5 - 2 = 3
6 - 2 = 4
7 - 2 = 5
11 - 2 = 9
14 - 2 = 12
19 - 2 = 17
20 - 2 = 18
Subtraction is like counting down based on the subtrahend.
The subtrahend is the number you're taking away. It's the smaller number.
Memorization Trick:
Subtraction is a very useful skill, and a lot of math builds on it.
That's why it's important for you to have all the subtraction facts up to 20 memorized. ⚡️
First, pause and study these facts for subtracting with 3, 4, and 5:
Next, study these equations for subtracting 6, 7, and 8.
Lastly, get familiar with the equations for subtracting 9 and 10.
Nice job.
The best way to memorize these equations is to practice. Start the practice now.