See free Year 1 subtraction within 20 worked examples with clear strategies and answers, aligned to the England primary curriculum.
Model the thinking
Four worked examples
Try each question first, then compare the strategy and answer. The aim is to understand the method, not just copy the final result.
1
Take away
10 - 3 = __.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible. Cross out 3 counters if helpful.
Show answer
Answer: 7
2
Take away
17 - 5 = __.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible.
Show answer
Answer: 12
3
Missing number
12 - __ = 8.
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible.
Show answer
Answer: 4
4
Story
Sam has 9 balloons. 2 pop. How many are left?
How to think about it: Decide which operation the question needs, keep tens/ones or larger place values aligned, and calculate in manageable steps. Check with the inverse operation where possible.
Show answer
Answer: 7 balloons
Next step
Turn the explanation into practice
Use the printable for independent work, or return to the topic overview to choose another way to practise.