Reveal Math Grade 1, Unit 3: Subtraction Strategies to 10
In this unit, your child learns ways to subtract within 10, such as counting back and thinking of a matching addition fact. They see subtraction as finding a missing part. This builds on last unit's addition strategies and leads into a unit on how addition and subtraction are connected, including what the equal sign means.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Solving 9 - 6 by asking 6 plus what makes 9, so addition facts help with subtraction. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Subtracting 1, 2, or 3 by counting back from a number, such as 8, then 7, 6 for 8 - 2. Learn more: Counting on and back to add and subtract
- Recalling subtraction facts within 10 quickly, like 10 - 4 and 7 - 3, and checking them with addition. 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
If 5 + 3 = 8, what is 8 - 3?
- 3
- 5
- 8
How you can help
- Play hide and seek with 10 stuffed animals. Hide some, and ask your child how many are hiding by counting up from the ones they can see.
- Count back on stairs: stand on step 9, walk down 3 steps while counting 8, 7, 6, and say the fact 9 - 3 = 6.
- Eat apple slices one at a time at snack. Say "You had 8 and ate 2. How many now?" and let your child explain.
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting the starting number when counting back, landing on 7 for 9 - 3 instead of 6.
- Subtracting the larger number from the smaller one, writing 3 - 9 when the story starts with 9.
- Counting back for every fact, instead of thinking of the addition fact that matches.
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 some away, or find how far apart two numbers are.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract one number from another.
- count back
- Start at a number and count down, one at a time.
- missing part
- The number you add to one part to reach the whole.
- related facts
- An addition fact and a subtraction fact that use the same three numbers.
- whole
- The full amount, before it is split into parts.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with subtracting within 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 Reveal Math Grade 1 Unit 3 cover?
Reveal Math Grade 1 Unit 3 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.