What Are Subtraction Facts?
Subtraction is like taking away or finding the difference between numbers.
When we subtract, we start with a bigger number and take away a smaller number to find out how many are left. It's like when you have some cookies and eat some - you subtract to find how many remain!
How to Subtract Numbers to 18
1️⃣ Start with the bigger number (this is called the minuend)
2️⃣ Take away the smaller number (this is called the subtrahend)
3️⃣ Count what's left (this is called the difference)
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Cookie Subtraction
You have 12 cookies and eat 5 of them. How many cookies are left?
Hint: You can count backwards from 12: 11, 10, 9, 8, 7 (that's 5 steps back!)
Example 2: Toy Subtraction
There are 18 toys in the toy box. You take out 9 toys to play with. How many toys remain in the box?
Tip: Think of 18 as 10 + 8. Subtract 9 from 10 to get 1, then add the 8 to get 9!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real objects like buttons or blocks to make subtraction visual - physically remove items to show the concept.
- Play subtraction games like "How many are hiding?" where you show some objects, hide some, and have your child figure out how many were hidden.
- Practice daily with quick 5-minute sessions using flashcards or simple word problems about their daily activities.