More subtraction equations
Preparing your practice…
Go beyond practice with Brilliant’s digital tutor, full interactive curriculum, personalized learning, and progress reports.
More subtraction equations: skill guide
| Objective | Learners use a ten frame and a supplied subtraction equation to find the difference. |
|---|---|
| Grade | Kindergarten |
| Standard | CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.1 |
| Difficulty | Foundational · Abstract |
| Representation | Numerical equation |
| Practice format | Interactive, account-free practice with immediate feedback |
Objective
Learners use a ten frame and a supplied subtraction equation to find the difference.
What this practice covers
Each problem supplies the starting amount and amount to take away. Learners cross out that many dots in the ten frame, count the dots that remain, and enter the difference.
Standards alignment
Supports Common Core: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.1 — Represent subtraction with objects, drawings, expressions, or equations.
Who it’s for
This practice is for kindergarten learners who count reliably through ten and are beginning to understand subtraction as taking away. The interactive dots keep each equation connected to a visible action, so formal fact recall is not required.
What to know first
- Learners should count objects through ten, recognize numerals from 0 to 10, and understand that crossing out or fading an object means it is no longer part of the group being counted. Familiarity with the minus and equals signs is helpful but can develop during the practice.
Difficulty and scaffolding
Foundational · Abstract stage
Problem representations
- Numerical equation
Three worked examples
- Seven dots with 2 crossed out give 7 − 2 = 5.
- Nine dots with 5 crossed out give 9 − 5 = 4.
- Ten dots with 6 crossed out give 10 − 6 = 4.
Likely misconceptions
- Learners may cross out the wrong number of dots, count empty spaces in the ten frame, or report how many were removed instead of how many remain. Read the supplied equation, cross out the amount being taken away, and count the untouched dots to find the difference.
Hints and explanations
- Seven dots with 2 crossed out give 7 − 2 = 5.
- Nine dots with 5 crossed out give 9 − 5 = 4.
- Ten dots with 6 crossed out give 10 − 6 = 4.
What to practice next
Practice subtraction equations with numerals alone, connect addition and subtraction fact families, and compare related statements such as 8 − 3 = 5 and 5 + 3 = 8.
Editorial review
Reviewed by Brilliant’s curriculum team. Exercises are generated within defined difficulty ranges and checked against verified answer rules.
More subtraction equations FAQs
Why count crossed-out dots in the starting amount?
Those dots were present before anything was taken away. The first number describes the original whole, so it includes both the crossed-out part and the part that remains.
Which part of the equation does the learner fill in?
The starting amount and amount taken away are supplied. The learner enters only the difference, which is the number of dots that remain.
How are addition and subtraction connected?
The removed part and remaining part combine to make the starting whole. If 8 − 3 = 5, then the related addition statement 5 + 3 = 8 checks the subtraction.
What should a learner practice next?
Use the same equations without pictures, then mix addition and subtraction so the learner must decide which operation describes the situation. Fact-family practice is a useful bridge.