More subtraction equations
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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 · Mixed |
| Representation | Ten frame, 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 tap that many dots in the ten frame to fade them, count the dots that remain, and choose 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 · Mixed stage
Problem representations
- Ten frame
- Numerical equation
Three worked examples
- Seven dots with 2 faded give 7 − 2 = 5.
- Nine dots with 5 faded give 9 − 5 = 4.
- Ten dots with 6 faded give 10 − 6 = 4.
Likely misconceptions
- Learners may fade 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, tap to fade the amount being taken away, and count the dots that are not faded to find the difference.
Hints and explanations
- Seven dots with 2 faded give 7 − 2 = 5.
- Nine dots with 5 faded give 9 − 5 = 4.
- Ten dots with 6 faded give 10 − 6 = 4.
What to practice next
Next, Missing numbers to 100 moves from subtraction to counting, with rows of ten numbers that have blanks to fill. Subtraction returns in Grade 1 with Subtract with ten strips.
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 faded 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 faded 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?
The next quiz, Missing numbers to 100, moves on to counting. Subtraction returns in Grade 1 with Subtract with ten strips. In between, say a subtraction equation aloud without a picture and check the answer with objects.