Everyday Mathematics Grade 1, Unit 7: Subtraction Fact Strategies and Attributes
In this unit, your child learns strategies for subtraction facts, like thinking of the addition fact that matches. They also learn what makes a shape a shape, such as its number of sides and corners. This follows the unit on addition strategies and leads into geometry and telling time.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 7?
- Turning a subtraction fact into an addition question, so 15 - 7 becomes 7 plus what makes 15. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Using related facts and counting up to answer subtraction facts within 20 quickly, without counting back one by one. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
- Naming the attributes, or features, that make a shape what it is, like 3 sides for a triangle, while ignoring color and size. Learn more: What makes a triangle a triangle
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
If 5 + 3 = 8, what is 8 - 3?
- 3
- 5
- 8
How you can help
- Hide some toys under a towel. Say "There were 11, and I see 7. How many are hiding?" and ask your child to count up from 7 to 11.
- Look for triangles and rectangles on a walk or ride, like a sign or a window. Ask how many sides and corners each one has.
- Practice a fact family while folding laundry: say 6 + 8 = 14, then ask your child for the two subtraction facts that use the same numbers.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting back one by one for 13 - 9, which takes a long time, instead of counting up from 9.
- Answering the wrong question in a missing-part fact, giving the whole when the missing part is asked for.
- Deciding a triangle is not a triangle anymore when it is turned so a point faces down.
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
- difference
- The answer when you subtract one number from another.
- related facts
- An addition fact and a subtraction fact that use the same three numbers.
- fact family
- Addition and subtraction facts made from the same three numbers, like 3, 5, and 8.
- missing part
- The number you add to one part to reach the whole.
- attribute
- A feature of a shape, like how many sides or corners it has.
- side
- A straight line that makes up part of a shape's edge.
- vertex
- A corner, the point where two sides meet. More than one are vertices.
Want to help your child master subtraction facts?
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.
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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 Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 7 cover?
Everyday Mathematics Grade 1 Unit 7 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
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.