Review – writing subtraction sentences – up to 10

key notes :

What is Subtraction?

  • Subtraction means taking away or finding the difference.
  • Example: If you have 5 apples and give away 2, 5 − 2 = 3.

Subtraction Sentence = Number Sentence

A subtraction sentence shows how many are taken away.

Format: Minuend − Subtrahend = Difference

  • Minuend → the total number we start with
  • Subtrahend → the number we take away
  • Difference → what is left

Writing Subtraction Sentences

Look at a picture or story. Count how many there are first, then how many are taken away.

Example:

  • Picture: 7 balloons, 3 fly away
  • Sentence: 7 − 3 = 4

Using Counters or Fingers

  • Start with the total number (minuend).
  • Take away the subtrahend using fingers, objects, or drawings.
  • Count what remains → difference.

Check Your Work ✅

After writing a subtraction sentence, check by adding:

  • Difference + Subtrahend = Minuend
  • Example: 7 − 3 = 4 → 4 + 3 = 7 ✅

Practice Tips ✏️

Use small numbers up to 10

Use drawings: dots, stars, or apples

Write in a sentence format every time: “7 − 3 = 4”

Practice with story problems:

  • “I had 6 candies. I ate 2. How many are left?” → 6 − 2 = 4

Important Reminders

Always start with the bigger number first.

Subtraction is not commutative (order matters!):

  • 5 − 3 ≠ 3 − 5

Learn with an example

Let’s write a subtraction equation for this picture together.

A subtraction equation has 3 parts: the minuend, subtrahend, and difference.

The minuend is the big number we’re taking away from.

How many fruits do we have at the start? 🤔

That’s right! 😃 We have 6 fruits.

So, the minuend is 6. Let’s write that down.

Now, let’s find the subtrahend.

The subtrahend is the number that is ‘taken away.

How many fruits were taken away in the picture?

Correct! 😎 

2 were taken away. This is the subtrahend.

Write 2 down and put a minus (-) sign between the numbers.

Now, we need to find the difference.

The difference is the number that’s left. It’s the answer.

How many fruits are left?

You got it! 

4 fruits are left. This is the difference. 🤗

Put an equal (=) sign after the subtrahend and write the difference.

so, the subtraction equation is

6-2=4

Learn with an example

9 less 5 is 4.

Write this as a subtraction number sentence (using − and =).

Change the words to signs. The words “less” tell you to subtract. Use “−” to show when to subtract. The word “is” tells you the difference. Use “=” to show the difference.

9 less 5 is 4.
9 − 5 = 4

The subtraction number sentence is 9 − 5 = 4.

Which subtraction number sentence does the picture show?

  • First, count all the turkeys, even the ones that are crossed out. There are 4 turkeys.
  • Now count how many turkeys are crossed out. 1 turkey is crossed out.
  • The first part of the subtraction number sentence is 4 − 1. To find the difference, count the turkeys that are not crossed out. 3 turkeys are not crossed out. This picture shows the subtraction number sentence 4 − 1 = 3.

Which subtraction number sentence does the picture show?

  • 10 − 3 = 7
  • 9 − 4 = 5
  • 8 − 4 = 4
  • 9 − 5 = 4

First, count all the pigs, even the ones that are crossed out. There are 9 pigs.

Now count how many pigs are crossed out. 4 pigs are crossed out.

The first part of the subtraction number sentence is 9 − 4

. To find the difference, count the pigs that are not crossed out. 5 pigs are not crossed out. This picture shows the subtraction number sentence 9 − 4 = 5.

Let’s practice!🖊️