Subtraction Facts Practice
Practise the single-digit subtraction facts up to 20 — the partner skill to the addition facts, and the base for all later subtraction.
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How the subtraction facts work
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact in reverse. If a child knows 8 + 5 = 13, then 13 − 5 = 8 and 13 − 8 = 5 come almost for free. That link — called a fact family — is the fastest way to subtraction fluency.
- Think addition: for 13 − 5, ask “5 plus what makes 13?”
- Count back for small amounts: 9 − 2 — count back 2 from 9.
- Use ten: 15 − 7 → 15 − 5 = 10, then 10 − 2 = 8.
Worked examples
Tips & common mistakes
Practise subtraction and addition facts together so the fact-family link sticks — a child who sees 13 − 5 and instantly thinks “5 + 8” is far faster than one counting back on fingers. Short daily sets win. The tap levels suit beginners; the typed sprint is for near-automatic recall.
- Always counting back, even for big gaps — “think addition” is quicker for those.
- Subtracting the wrong way round (a smaller number minus a bigger one) — the bigger number comes first.
- Facts that cross ten (like 15 − 7) are the hardest — the subtract-through-ten trick is built for them.
Frequently asked questions
What grade are subtraction facts for?
They are core to kindergarten through grade 2, and worth revisiting any time recall is shaky.
What does “within 20” mean?
The starting number is 20 or less, which is the standard set of subtraction facts kids master early on.
How are they linked to addition?
Each subtraction fact reverses an addition fact: 8 + 5 = 13 gives you 13 − 5 = 8 and 13 − 8 = 5.
What is the “think addition” strategy?
Instead of counting back, ask what you would add to the smaller number to reach the bigger one. For 13 − 5, think “5 plus what is 13?”
When are the facts fluent?
When answers come within a few seconds without finger-counting. Use the typed sprint level to check.
Keep practising
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