Subtraction Facts to 20
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How to Subtract From Numbers Up to 20

      Subtraction is the opposite of addition.

Key Point:

Subtraction terms diagram minuend minus subtrahend equals difference.

When you subtract, you take away from a number.

      Subtracting 1 from a number is just like counting down by 1.

Key Point:

2 - 1 = 1

Think about it like jumping back one step on a number line:

number line

Here are a few examples of subtracting 1:

3 - 1 = 2
10
- 1 = 9
13
- 1 = 12
20
- 1 = 19

      Subtracting 2 is just like counting down by 2.

Key Point:

4 - 2 = 2

Think about it like jumping back two steps on a number line.

number line

Here are more examples for subtracting 2 from a number:

5 - 2 = 3
6
- 2 = 4
7
- 2 = 5
11
- 2 = 9
14
- 2 = 12
19
- 2 = 17
20
- 2 = 18

      Subtraction is like counting down based on the subtrahend.

Key Point:

minuend, subtrahend, difference subtraction terms

      The subtrahend is the number you're taking away. It's the smaller number.

Key Point:

Memorization Trick:

Subtraction terms diagram trick minuend subtrahend letters spell minus.

Subtraction is a very useful skill, and a lot of math builds on it.

That's why it's important for you to have all the subtraction facts up to 20 memorized. ⚡️

First, pause and study these facts for subtracting with 3, 4, and 5:

Subtracting by 3, 4, and 5 facts tables

Next, study these equations for subtracting 6, 7, and 8.

Subtracting by 6, 7, and 8 tables

Lastly, get familiar with the equations for subtracting 9 and 10.

Subtraction facts tables for subtracting by 9 and 10

Nice job.

The best way to memorize these equations is to practice. Start the practice now. 

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