Saxon Math Grade 1, Section 2: Subtraction Facts & Place Value Foundations
In this unit, first graders learn subtraction facts, often by thinking of the addition fact that goes with them, so 9 - 4 asks "4 plus what makes 9?" They solve take-away stories and start place value, seeing 10 as a ten and numbers like 23 as 2 tens and 3 ones. It builds on adding from the last unit and leads to comparing two-digit numbers next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 2?
- Solving take-away and comparing stories within 20 and choosing whether to add or subtract. Learn more: Adding and subtracting story problems within 20
- Using a known addition fact to find a subtraction fact, like 5 + 4 = 9 for 9 - 4. Learn more: Subtracting by finding the missing part
- Seeing a two-digit number as tens and ones, like 23 as 2 tens and 3 ones, using bundles and loose sticks. Learn more: Tens and ones in two-digit numbers
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
- Ask a think-addition question at snack time: "You had 9 crackers and ate some. Now there are 4. How many did you eat?"
- Make bundles of ten with craft sticks or straws and a rubber band, then show a number like 23. Ask how many tens and how many ones.
- Say a subtraction fact and ask for its matching addition fact, like "9 - 4? Then 4 plus what is 9?" Switch roles and let your child quiz you.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding when a story says some were taken away or eaten.
- Showing 23 with 2 single sticks and 3 sticks, missing that the 2 means tens.
- Counting back from 9 to subtract 4 and landing on 6, counting the start 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.
- difference
- The answer when you subtract, like 2 in 9 - 7 = 2.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 + 4 = 10 and 10 - 4 = 6.
- tens
- Groups of ten. In 34, there are 3 tens.
- ones
- Single things not in a group of ten. In 34, there are 4 ones.
- place value
- What a digit is worth because of its spot, like the 4 in 42 meaning 40.
- digit
- One of the symbols 0 to 9 used to write numbers.
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 Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 2 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 1 Section 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.