Subtraction

Worksheets across grades for this subject.

Grades covered: Grades 1–3 · 9 printable worksheets

Topics Covered

Subtraction (within 10)

Subtraction is the operation of finding the difference between quantities or removing a part from a whole. Students learn to see subtraction as both 'taking away' and 'finding the difference,' developing flexibility in their mathematical thinking.

Subtraction is fundamental to mathematics and everyday life. It's used for comparing quantities, calculating change, measuring differences, and solving problems involving 'how many more' or 'how many left.' Strong subtraction skills support learning negative numbers, algebraic thinking, and proportional reasoning.

Grades with aligned worksheets: 0, 1, 2, 3

Teaching Tips

Use multiple strategies: counting back, counting up, using related addition facts. Use number lines to show subtraction as distance or difference. Connect to addition through fact families. Make subtraction meaningful with real situations. Be patient with regrouping—it's conceptually challenging.

Quick assessment ideas

Test fact fluency with timed checks. Include subtraction word problems requiring interpretation. Ask students to explain their strategy. Have students check subtraction using addition. Present problems requiring regrouping and evaluate understanding.