Grade 1Mathmedium
Grade 1 Subtraction Practice - Medium Level
Practice subtraction problems with numbers 0-20, including some two-digit subtraction and word problems
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Solve subtraction problems with minuends up to 20 using counting back and number line strategies
- Apply subtraction skills to solve simple word problems involving taking away or finding the difference
- Demonstrate understanding of two-digit subtraction without regrouping using place value concepts
- Identify when subtraction results in zero and explain what this means in real-world contexts
- Compare different subtraction strategies to determine which method works best for specific number combinations
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Start with the easier single-digit problems to build confidence, having your child read each problem aloud and identify the larger number (minuend)
- Step 2: For computation problems, encourage your child to use their preferred strategy - fingers, number line, or manipulatives - before moving to mental math
- Step 3: When approaching two-digit problems, help your child identify the tens and ones in each number using place value language
- Step 4: Read word problems together twice, then have your child identify what's being taken away or compared before writing the number sentence
- Step 5: Review completed problems by having your child explain their thinking and check answers using addition (if 12-5=7, then 7+5 should equal 12)
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Watch for students who count up instead of counting back - demonstrate using physical objects or a number line how 15-3 means starting at 15 and moving backward 3 spaces, not forward
For two-digit subtraction problems, help students separate tens and ones using base-ten blocks or drawings, emphasizing that they subtract ones from ones and tens from tens
When students struggle with word problems, teach them to identify key phrases like 'how many are left' or 'how many more' and circle the numbers before writing the equation
If children get frustrated with larger numbers, encourage them to use their fingers, drawings, or manipulatives - at this level, understanding the concept matters more than mental math speed
Frequently Asked Questions
My child still uses fingers for subtraction. Should I be concerned?
Using fingers is completely normal and beneficial for Grade 1 students learning subtraction. Fingers provide a concrete way to visualize taking away objects. Encourage this strategy while gradually introducing number lines and mental math as your child becomes more comfortable.
How can I help my child understand two-digit subtraction without regrouping?
Use place value blocks or draw tens and ones. For 18-5, show 1 ten and 8 ones, then take away 5 ones. Emphasize that we only subtract from the ones place when the ones digit is larger than what we're subtracting. This builds foundation for future regrouping concepts.
What should I do if my child struggles with subtraction word problems?
Break word problems into steps: read together, act out the story with toys or drawings, identify the action (taking away, comparing, finding difference), find the numbers, then write the equation. Start with simple 'take away' scenarios before moving to comparison problems.
How do I know if my child is ready for subtraction problems with numbers up to 20?
Your child should be comfortable with subtraction facts within 10, understand that subtraction means taking away or finding differences, and be able to count backward from any number to 10. If they struggle with these basics, practice smaller numbers first before attempting problems up to 20.
Why does my child sometimes add instead of subtract in word problems?
This is common because addition feels more natural to young learners. Help your child identify key words like 'left,' 'fewer,' 'taken away,' or 'difference.' Practice acting out subtraction stories physically so they can see and feel the concept of removing or comparing quantities.
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