For subtraction situations within 20, the learner can find the difference by starting at the number being subtracted and counting forward until reaching the starting quantity; the number of counts is the difference (for example, 13 − 8 is five counts from 8 to 13). A number line makes this relationship visible and connects subtraction to the inverse addition question, while distinguishing the number of steps from the endpoint; larger numbers and more general counting-up strategies are not included.
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- Learn “Use counting up to subtract” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Use counting up to subtract” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Use counting up to subtract you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Use counting up to subtract” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Addition and Subtraction of Integers - 1 and 2 Digit” or “Addition and Subtraction of Integers - 1 Digit” that introduce, teach, or practice “Use counting up to subtract” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Use counting up to subtract
To solve a subtraction problem, start at the number you are subtracting. Count forward until you reach the first number. The number of steps you count is the answer.
Example: Find .
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Start at .
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Count forward to :
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Count the steps:
There are steps, so:
This also shows the related addition fact:
Learn by doing: Use counting up to subtract
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
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Practice:
Ten Groups - Subtract, Without Borrow, Less than 20
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Use counting up to subtract' Worksheet
Print this free 'Use counting up to subtract' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Ten Groups - Subtract, Without Borrow, Less than 20
- Subtraction - Missing Value, Within 20
- Subtraction - Whole Number - Within 20
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Equation (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture to Number (Within 10)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 10)
- Ten Groups - Subtract, Without Borrow, Less than 10
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Use counting up to subtract) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.