Single-Digit Subtraction Worksheets
Free printable subtraction worksheets for kindergarten through grade 2. Master basic subtraction facts from 10-1 to 1-1.
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Easy: Subtraction within 10 | Medium: Subtraction within 15 | Hard: Subtraction within 20
Understanding Subtraction
Subtraction can mean "taking away," "finding the difference," or "finding how many more." Understanding these different meanings helps students grasp when to use subtraction in real-world situations.
Taking Away
"You have 8 cookies and eat 3. How many are left?"
8 - 3 = 5
Finding the Difference
"Sarah is 9 years old and Tom is 6. How much older is Sarah?"
9 - 6 = 3
How Many More?
"Goal is 10 stars, you have 7. How many more do you need?"
10 - 7 = 3
Subtraction Strategies
1. Counting Back
For subtracting small numbers, count backward. For 9-2, start at 9 and count back: "nine... eight, seven."
Best for subtracting 1, 2, or 3
2. Counting Up (Finding the Difference)
For 11-8, count up from 8 to 11: "eight... nine, ten, eleven" (that's 3 jumps).
Best when numbers are close together
3. Think Addition (Fact Families)
If you know 5+4=9, then you know 9-4=5 and 9-5=4. Use addition facts you already know!
Most efficient strategy for fluency
4. Using 10 as a Bridge
For 13-5, think: "13 to 10 is 3, then 10 to 8 is 2 more, so 3+2=5... wait, no. Actually break it: 13-3=10, 10-2=8."
Useful for crossing 10
The Addition-Subtraction Connection
The most powerful way to learn subtraction is to connect it with addition. These are called "fact families."
Fact Family Example: 3, 5, 8
Addition Facts:
3 + 5 = 8
5 + 3 = 8
Subtraction Facts:
8 - 5 = 3
8 - 3 = 5
If a child knows one fact in the family, they can figure out all four! This cuts memorization work significantly.
Teaching Tips for Parents
🧮 Use Physical Objects
Start with 10 blocks. Take away 4. How many left? Concrete practice makes abstract concepts real.
🔄 Practice Both Operations
Mix addition and subtraction on the same worksheet. This helps students understand they're related operations.
⏱️ Build Speed Gradually
First focus on understanding, then accuracy, then speed. Don't rush to timed drills before facts are solid.
🎯 Master Subtracting from 10
10-1, 10-2... 10-9 are crucial facts. They're used constantly in mental math and later arithmetic.