Complete the subtraction sentence – up to 18
key notes :
What is subtraction? ➖
Subtraction means taking away a number from another number.
Example: 10 − 4 = 6 (We take away 4 from 10, 6 is left)
Understand the subtraction sentence
A subtraction sentence has three parts:
Minuend − Subtrahend = Difference
Example: 12 − 5 = 7
- 12 → Minuend (starting number)
- 5 → Subtrahend (number taken away)
- 7 → Difference (what is left)
Completing missing numbers in subtraction
Sometimes a number is missing:
Example: ? − 6 = 8
- Ask: “Which number minus 6 gives 8?” → 14 − 6 = 8
- Another example: 15 − ? = 9
Ask: “15 minus what number gives 9?” → 15 − 6 = 9
- Or: 12 − 5 = ?
Ask: “12 minus 5 equals?” → 7
Use counters or drawings 🟢🔵
Draw objects to visualize subtraction.
Example: Draw 14 apples 🍎🍎🍎… take 6 away, count what remains → 8
Subtraction facts up to 18
Practice subtraction sentences from 1 to 18.
Example: 18 − 1 = 17, 18 − 2 = 16, …, 18 − 18 = 0
Check your answer ✅
Use addition to check subtraction:
If 12 − 5 = 7, check by 7 + 5 = 12
Tips for students
Start from bigger numbers first.
Remember zero (0) is nothing left.
Practice with real-life examples: candies 🍬, pencils ✏️, toys 🧸.
Learn with an example
Fill in the missing number.🤔
12 – ___ = 5
Find the number that makes the subtraction number sentence true.
12 – ? = 5
Subtract 5 from both sides:
12 – ? – 5 = 5 – 5
7 – ? = 0
Now, find the number that goes in the blank space. Remember, when a number is subtracted from itself, the difference is zero. The number in the blank space must be 7.
The missing number is 7.🚀
Fill in the missing number.🤔
__ – 1 =16
Find the number that makes the subtraction number sentence true.
? – 1 = 16
Add 1 to both sides:
? – 1 + 1 = 16 + 1
? = 17
The missing number is 17.🚀
Fill in the missing number.
____ – 2 = 10
Find the number that makes the subtraction number sentence true.
? – 2 = 10
Add 2 to both sides:
? – 2 + 2 = 10 + 2
? = 12
The missing number is 12.
Let’s practice!🖊️
