CurriculumGrade 1Mathematics

Subtract by Thinking Addition

Aligned to 1.OA.B.4 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

What this lesson teaches

To subtract, we can ask what number we add to reach the bigger number.

Worked example

10 - 8 = ? Think: 8 plus what makes 10? 8 + 2 = 10, so 10 - 8 = 2.

Practice questions

  1. Solve 9 - 6 by thinking 6 plus what makes 9.
  2. Solve 7 - 4.
  3. 8 plus what makes 10? So 10 - 8 = ?

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

▶ Watch this lesson

En español

Restar pensando en sumar

Para restar, podemos preguntar qué número le sumamos para llegar al número más grande.

Ejemplo: 10 - 8 = ? Piensa: ¿8 más cuánto hace 10? 8 + 2 = 10, así que 10 - 8 = 2.

More Operations & Algebraic Thinking lessons

Adding and Subtracting within 201.OA.C.6Story Problems1.OA.A.1Adding Three Numbers1.OA.A.2Add in Any Order1.OA.B.3Counting On1.OA.C.5Is It True or False?1.OA.D.7

Teach this lesson today

An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.

Start free — no card required