Know Your Subtraction: Subtract 7, 8 or 9 From a Number

Subtraction is the taking of one number or amount away from another.

It is the opposite of addition.

 

Example

Look at this subtraction.

10 - 7 = ?

 

Answer

Start at 10 and count 7 backwards.

You can use the number line to help you count.

 

 

10 - 7 = 3

 

If you use the number line, you start at the number 10 and move 7 places to the left. The number you reach is 3.

 

Remember that you always move to the left on a number line when you are subtracting.

 

 

Let's try another one.

 

Example

16 - 8 = ?

 

Answer

Start at 16 on the number line and count 8 places to the left. What number do you reach? It's 8.

 

16 - 8 = 8

 

Does that make sense?

 

 

Let's have a go at some questions now.