Subtraction across ten – Grade 1
Subtract across ten in Grade 1: subtract back to ten, then subtract the remainder. Learn with worked examples, checks and practice.
🎯 What you will learn
- ✓Step back to 10
- ✓Split the number subtracted
- ✓Check with addition
💡 How it works
Learn “Subtraction across ten – Grade 1” in small steps: understand the method first, then practise with a worksheet or online test.
How it works
💡 Rule: subtract back to 10 first, then subtract the rest.
For 13 − 5, step back to 10 first: 13 − 3 = 10. There are 2 left from the 5, so 10 − 2 = 8.
Splitting 5 into 3 and 2 shows why subtraction across ten takes two steps.
Check with the inverse: 8 + 5 must equal 13.
🧩 See the method
✍️ Worked examples
Worked examples 1
13 − 5
- 1.Subtract 3 to reach 10.
- 2.13 − 3 = 10
- 3.2 remain from 5: 10 − 2 = 8
✓ 8
Worked examples 2
15 − 7
- 1.Subtract 5 to reach 10.
- 2.15 − 5 = 10
- 3.2 remain from 7: 10 − 2 = 8
✓ 8
⚠️ Common mistakes
- • Counting back 5 at once and missing ten.
- • Subtracting all 5 again in the second step.
📝 Try it yourself
1.
12 − 4
Show answer
8
2.
14 − 6
Show answer
8
3.
16 − 7
Show answer
9
4.
13 − 8
Show answer
5
5.
15 − 9
Show answer
6
6.
18 − 9
Show answer
9
Create matching questions
Create a compact printable worksheet or start an online test.
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FAQ
How do I solve 14 − 6?
14 − 4 = 10, then 10 − 2 = 8.
Why use addition?
It checks that answer plus subtracted number gives the start number.