Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Ways to subtract - up to 10
Ways to subtract - up to 10
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Recall basic subtraction facts up to 10 with fluency.
Apply the 'counting back' strategy for subtraction problems up to 10.
Utilize the 'counting up' strategy to find differences up to 10.
Explain the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction (fact families) for numbers up to 10.
Accurately solve subtraction problems up to 10 using a number line.
Identify and correct common errors made when subtracting numbers up to 10.
Develop mental math proficiency for subtraction within 10.
Ever wonder how quickly you can figure out how many cookies are left after you eat a few? 🍪 Subtraction helps us find out what remains!
In this lesson, we'll revisit and explore different clever strategies to subtract numbers up to 10. Maste...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SubtractionThe mathematical operation of taking away one number from another to find the difference or how much is left.$7 - 3 = 4$
MinuendThe number from which another number is subtracted. It is the starting amount.In $9 - 5 = 4$, the minuend is 9.
SubtrahendThe number being subtracted from the minuend. It is the amount being taken away.In $9 - 5 = 4$, the subtrahend is 5.
DifferenceThe result obtained when one number is subtracted from another.In $9 - 5 = 4$, the difference is 4.
Number LineA visual tool that represents numbers as points on a line, useful for visualizing addition and subtraction by moving left or right.To solve $6-2$, start at 6 and move 2 steps to the left, landing on 4.
Fact FamilyA set of related addition and subtraction equations that use the...
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Core Formulas
Subtraction as Taking Away
$a - b = c$
This rule states that when you subtract 'b' from 'a', you are finding how many are left after 'b' has been removed or taken away from 'a'. This is the most intuitive understanding of subtraction.
Subtraction as Finding the Difference
$a - b = c$
This rule emphasizes that subtraction also tells you the gap or the 'difference' in quantity between two numbers, 'a' and 'b'. It answers the question 'How many more?' or 'How much less?'.
Inverse Relationship with Addition (Fact Families)
If $a + b = c$, then $c - a = b$ and $c - b = a$.
This fundamental rule shows that addition and subtraction are opposite operations. Knowing an addition fact (e.g...
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Challenging
A fact family is composed of three distinct positive integers: x, y, and z. If z is the largest of the three numbers, which of the following equations must ALWAYS be FALSE?
A.x + y = z
B.z - y = x
C.x - z = y
D.z - x = y
Challenging
To solve 10 - 7, a student says, 'I start at 10 and count back 7 numbers. The numbers are 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4. So the answer is 4.' The student's final answer is incorrect. What is the specific error in their application of the 'counting back' strategy?
A.They should have counted up from 7 instead of counting back.
B.They incorrectly included the starting number (10) in their count of seven steps.
C.They should have stopped counting at the number 7.
D.The 'counting back' strategy cannot be used for this problem.
Challenging
The difference between two numbers is 4. The minuend is 9. Which equation correctly represents this situation and can be solved to find the subtrahend (s)?
A.9 - s = 4
B.s - 9 = 4
C.9 + 4 = s
D.s - 4 = 9
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