Subtraction Skill Builders - First Grade
Subtracting 1
Rule: When you subtract 1, you go back one number.
Formula: n - 1 = n - 1
10 - 1 = 9
5 - 1 = 4
3 - 1 = 2
1 - 1 = 0
Subtracting 2
Rule: When you subtract 2, you go back two numbers.
Formula: n - 2 = n - 2
10 - 2 = 8
7 - 2 = 5
4 - 2 = 2
2 - 2 = 0
Subtracting 3
Rule: When you subtract 3, you go back three numbers.
Formula: n - 3 = n - 3
10 - 3 = 7
8 - 3 = 5
5 - 3 = 2
3 - 3 = 0
Subtracting 4
Rule: When you subtract 4, you go back four numbers.
Formula: n - 4 = n - 4
10 - 4 = 6
9 - 4 = 5
6 - 4 = 2
4 - 4 = 0
Subtracting 5
Rule: When you subtract 5, you go back five numbers.
Formula: n - 5 = n - 5
10 - 5 = 5
9 - 5 = 4
7 - 5 = 2
5 - 5 = 0
Subtracting 6
Rule: When you subtract 6, you go back six numbers.
Formula: n - 6 = n - 6
10 - 6 = 4
9 - 6 = 3
8 - 6 = 2
6 - 6 = 0
Subtracting 7
Rule: When you subtract 7, you go back seven numbers.
Formula: n - 7 = n - 7
10 - 7 = 3
9 - 7 = 2
8 - 7 = 1
7 - 7 = 0
Subtracting 8
Rule: When you subtract 8, you go back eight numbers.
Formula: n - 8 = n - 8
10 - 8 = 2
9 - 8 = 1
8 - 8 = 0
Subtracting 9
Rule: When you subtract 9, you go back nine numbers.
Formula: n - 9 = n - 9
10 - 9 = 1
9 - 9 = 0
Subtracting 10
Rule: When you subtract 10, you go back ten numbers.
Formula: n - 10 = n - 10
10 - 10 = 0
Quick Tips for Students
- ✓ Count backwards to find the answer
- ✓ Use your fingers to help count
- ✓ Practice with objects like toys or blocks
- ✓ The bigger number always comes first
- ✓ When you subtract a number from itself, the answer is always 0