Subtraction Within 10 Game

Subtract from numbers up to 10, such as 9 − 4 or 7 − 2. The answer is never below zero.

Choose a mode

Type answers on your keyboard, or tap the number pad.

How to play

  1. Choose the 60-second challenge or untimed practice, then press Start.
  2. Type each answer on your keyboard or tap the number pad. It’s checked as soon as you’ve typed enough digits, or press ✓.
  3. Get one wrong and you’ll see the right answer, and the question comes back a little later.
  4. At the end, check your score and the facts to practise again.

What it practises

  • Subtraction facts within 10
  • Linking subtraction to addition
  • Spotting small differences, like 8 − 7

Level: Kindergarten–Grade 1 (ages 5–7)

Tips for subtracting within 10

Think addition: for 9 − 4, ask “4 plus what makes 9?” The answer is 5.

When two numbers are next to each other on a number line, the difference is always 1: 8 − 7 = 1.

Questions and answers

How does addition help with subtraction?

Every subtraction fact matches an addition fact. If you know 5 + 4 = 9, you know 9 − 4 = 5 and 9 − 5 = 4.

What age is this game for?

Subtracting within 10 is usually learned in kindergarten and first grade, at around ages 5 to 7.

Should children count back or count up?

Both work. Counting up from the smaller number is often quicker and less error-prone, especially when the two numbers are close together.

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