Skill: Count backward by tens

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

Counting backward by tens means repeatedly subtracting 10, producing a sequence in which the ones digit remains constant while the tens and hundreds place values change predictably. The sequence can begin at any whole number within 1,000 and may cross a hundred boundary, such as 347, 337, 327; it connects skip-counting to place-value understanding and mental subtraction, without extending to negative numbers or more general integer sequences.

Detailed Explanation: Count backward by tens

To count backward by tens, subtract 1010 each time. The ones digit stays the same, while the tens or hundreds digit changes.

Example: Count backward by tens from 347347.

347−10=337347 - 10 = 337

Subtract 1010 again:

337−10=327337 - 10 = 327

Continue:

327, 317, 307, 297327,\ 317,\ 307,\ 297

Notice that the ones digit is always 77. When we subtract 1010 from 307307, we cross from the 300300s to the 200200s:

307−10=297307 - 10 = 297

So, counting backward by tens from 347347 gives:

347, 337, 327, 317, 307, 297\boxed{347,\ 337,\ 327,\ 317,\ 307,\ 297}

Learn by doing: Count backward by tens

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Your results

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Count Backwards by 10s - Within 1000


    ?

    Download/Modify Free Grade 2 'Count backward by tens' Worksheet

    Print this free 'Count backward by tens' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.

    Units Teaching This Skill

    These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Count backward by tens) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.

    Explore More Grade 2 Math