How to Subtract From Numbers Up to 20

⭐ Subtraction is the opposite of addition.

$Subtraction terms diagram minuend minus subtrahend equals difference.$

When you subtract, you take away from a number.

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

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.

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.

$minuend, subtrahend, difference subtraction terms$

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

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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