Go Math! Grade 1, Chapter 2: Subtraction Concepts
In this unit, first graders learn what subtraction means: taking away from a group, taking a group apart, and comparing two groups to find the difference, how much bigger one is than the other. They write subtraction equations and see how a subtraction fact connects to an addition fact. It builds on the meaning of addition from the last unit, and next they learn addition strategies that make facts quicker.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 2?
- Solving take-from, take-apart, and compare stories within 10, and writing a subtraction equation for each. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Thinking of 8 - 5 as "5 and what make 8?" to connect subtraction to addition. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Subtracting within 10 accurately, including taking away all of a group or taking away zero. Learn more about adding within 20: Adding within 20 · Learn more about subtracting within 20
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
- Act out take-away with snack pieces: "You have 8 pretzels and eat 3. How many are left?" Then write the equation together, 8 - 3 = 5.
- Compare two rows of shoes by the door, matching them up in pairs. Ask how many more one row has than the other.
- Use an addition question to help with subtraction: "8 take away 5? What goes with 5 to make 8?" Count up on fingers together.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the numbers in a take-away story, answering 11 for 8 take away 3.
- Naming the bigger group's number when a compare story asks how many more.
- Saying "8, 7" for 8 - 2 and answering 7, counting the starting number as a step.
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
- subtract
- Take an amount away, or find how far apart two numbers are.
- minus sign
- The symbol - that means subtract.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract, like 2 in 9 - 7 = 2.
- take away
- Remove some from a group to see how many are left.
- compare
- Look at two things to see which is bigger, longer, or the same.
- how many more
- A question asking how much bigger one amount is than another.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 5 + 3 = 8.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with subtraction?
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 Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 2 cover?
Go Math! Grade 1 Chapter 2 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.