Eureka Math Grade 1, Module 1: Sums and Differences to 10
In this unit, first graders build a strong base for adding and subtracting within 10. They solve story problems, count on and back, add in any order, and see subtraction as finding a missing part. They learn that the equal sign means "the same amount as" and find missing numbers in equations. Next, they stretch these ideas to 20, using ten as a stepping stone.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Module 1?
- Solving put-together and take-apart stories within 10, drawing pictures and writing an equation to match. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Knowing that 2 + 7 and 7 + 2 make the same total, and starting with the bigger number to count on. Learn more: Adding in any order to make it easier
- Solving 9 - 6 by asking what to add to 6 to make 9. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Counting on from a number to add and counting back to subtract, such as 8, 9, 10 for 7 + 3. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Becoming quick and accurate with all the ways to make numbers up to 10, like 6 + 4 and 7 + 3. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
- Deciding whether equations like 5 + 2 = 2 + 5 or 6 = 4 + 1 are true or false. Learn more: What the equal sign really means
- Finding the missing number in equations within 10, like 4 + ? = 9 or 7 - ? = 3. Learn more: Missing numbers, like 8 + ? = 11
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
I had some toy cars. My friend gave me 3 more cars. Now I have 8 cars in total. How many toy cars did I have at first?
- 3
- 5
- 8
How you can help
- Make number stories with snack pieces: "You had 9 crackers and ate some; 6 are left. How many did you eat?" Encourage counting up from 6 to 9.
- Play "make 10" with your fingers: you hold up 4, and your child shows the 6 needed to make 10. Then write it both ways, 4 + 6 and 6 + 4.
- Write a few equations on paper, some true and some false, like 3 + 4 = 7 and 8 = 5 + 2, and ask your child to find and fix the false ones.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting all the objects from 1 for 7 + 2 instead of counting on from 7.
- Writing 13 for 4 + ? = 9, adding the two numbers they can see.
- Believing 3 - 8 is the same as 8 - 3, using turnaround facts for subtraction.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- addend
- A number being added, like 3 and 4 in 3 + 4.
- sum
- The answer when you add, like 7 in 3 + 4 = 7.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract, like 2 in 9 - 7 = 2.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
- equal sign
- The symbol = that means "the same amount as."
- count on
- Start at one number and count up to add.
- turnaround fact
- The same addends in the other order, like 3 + 5 and 5 + 3.
- missing addend
- The part you need to add to reach a total, like 2 in 8 + ? = 10.
Want to help your child master sums to 10?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Eureka Math Grade 1 Module 1 cover?
Eureka Math Grade 1 Module 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems.
- 1.OA.B.3: Apply properties of operations as strategies.
- 1.OA.B.4: Understand subtraction as an unknown-addend problem.
- 1.OA.C.5: Relate counting to addition and subtraction.
- 1.OA.C.6: Add and subtract within 20.
- 1.OA.D.7: Understand the meaning of the equal sign.
- 1.OA.D.8: Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.