Taking away within 10
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Say what the minus sign means
- Cross out or move objects to take away and count what is left
- Count back on a number line from a number up to 10
- Write the answer in a subtraction sum
- Answer one-step take-away stories
You should already know
- Adding within 10 (Chapter 6)
- Counting back on a number line (Chapter 2)
Where this leads
- Adding and taking away within 10 (Level 1, Chapter 8)
Step-by-step practice: maths (Level 1). Small steps, repeated until fluent. Content: Understand that - means take away and the answer is what is left, Take away from a set of up to 10 objects by crossing out or moving them, Count back from a number up to 10, Write the answer in a subtraction sum, Solve one-step stories about taking away.
Exercise P Do you remember?
Non-calculatorMethod. Start at 5 and count on 2.
- Start at 5. Use the bigger number first.5
- Count on 2. Six, seven.6, 7
- Write the answer. 7
Check. 5 + 2 = 7, and 2 + 5 = 7.
Watch out. Count on from the bigger number.
Method. Start at 9 and count back two jumps.
- Start at 9. This is where we begin.9
- Count back 2. Eight, seven.8, 7
- Write the answer. 7
Check. Count on 2 from 7: 8, 9. You are back at 9.
Watch out. Counting back means the numbers get smaller.
Method. Count on from 3 to 10.
- Start at 3. It is the part we know.3
- Count on to 10. Count on: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.7 steps
- Write the answer. 7
Check. 3 + 7 = 10. It works.
Watch out. Count on from the known part to the whole.
Method. Touch each apple once and say the last number.
- Touch each apple once. Count in order.1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Say the last number. The last number tells how many.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count back from 5 to 1. You land on 5.
Watch out. Touch each apple only once.
Method. Start at 6 and count on 3.
- Start at 6. Use the bigger number first.6
- Count on 3. Seven, eight, nine.7, 8, 9
- Write the answer. 9
Check. Count back 3 from 9: 8, 7, 6. It works.
Watch out. Count on from the bigger number.
Taking away
The minus sign (−) means take away.
Cross out the things you take away. Then count what is left. The number left is the answer.
Key ideas
- − means take away.
- Cross out the ones that go.
- Count what is left: that is the answer.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.5
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.5 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 2 = 5. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.7
- Take away 4. Cross out or count back this many.7 - 4
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 4 = 7. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Start with 9. Take away 6 and count what is left.
- Start with 9. There are nine cubes at the start.9
- Take away 6. Cross out six of them.9 - 6 = 3
- Count what is left. Count the cubes that are not crossed out.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 6 = 9. It is right.
Watch out. Count what is left, not what was taken away.
Watch out
Watch out. The answer is what is left, not the number you took away.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Use 10 buttons. Take some away and ask: “How many are left? How many did we take away?”
Exercise 7A Taking away
Non-calculatorMethod. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.6
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.6 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.5
Check. Add back: 5 + 1 = 6. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.9
- Take away 6. Cross out or count back this many.9 - 6
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 6 = 9. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.8
- Take away 6. Cross out or count back this many.8 - 6
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 6 = 8. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.10
- Take away 7. Cross out or count back this many.10 - 7
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 7 = 10. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.9
- Take away 6. Cross out or count back this many.9 - 6
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 6 = 9. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.6
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.6 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.4
Check. Add back: 4 + 2 = 6. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.8
- Take away 5. Cross out or count back this many.8 - 5
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 5 = 8. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.4
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.4 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 2 = 4. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.3
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.3 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 2 = 3. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Count the things that are not crossed out.
- Count the whole group. There are this many to start.8
- Take away the crossed-out ones. Cross out 5 and take them away.8 - 5 = 3
- Count what is left. Count only the ones not crossed out.1, 2, 3
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that counts the ones left.3 are left.
Check. Add back: 3 + 5 = 8. ✓
Watch out. Count only the ones that are not crossed out.
Counting back
To take away on a number line, start at the number. Count back, one jump at a time, to the left.
Key ideas
- Start at the number.
- Count back one step at a time, to the left.
- The number you land on is the answer.
Method. Start at 7 and count back two jumps.
- Start at 7. This is where we begin.7
- Count back 2. Six, five.6, 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count on 2 from 5: 6, 7. You are back at 7.
Watch out. Count the jumps, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at 10 and count back four jumps.
- Start at 10. This is where we begin.10
- Count back 4. Nine, eight, seven, six.9, 8, 7, 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count on 4 from 6: 7, 8, 9, 10. You are back at 10.
Watch out. Count back, to the left, not up.
Method. Start at 4 and count back three jumps.
- Start at 4. This is where we begin.4
- Count back 3. Three, two, one.3, 2, 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count on 3 from 1: 2, 3, 4. You are back at 4.
Watch out. Count each jump, then stop.
Watch out
Watch out. Count back means move left. Do not count up by mistake.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Draw a number line from 0 to 10 on paper. Put a counter on a number, then move it back one step at a time.
Exercise 7B Counting back
Non-calculatorMethod. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.3
- Count back 2. Each jump moves one number to the left.1, 2
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count on 2 from 1: you land on 3. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.10
- Count back 5. Each jump moves one number to the left.5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count on 5 from 5: you land on 10. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.10
- Count back 4. Each jump moves one number to the left.6, 7, 8, 9
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count on 4 from 6: you land on 10. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.4
- Count back 1. Each jump moves one number to the left.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Count on 1 from 3: you land on 4. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 5. Each jump moves one number to the left.1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count on 5 from 1: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 1. Each jump moves one number to the left.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count on 1 from 5: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.9
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.6, 7, 8
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Count on 3 from 6: you land on 9. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.7
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.4, 5, 6
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count on 3 from 4: you land on 7. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.4
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.1, 2, 3
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count on 3 from 1: you land on 4. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.4
- Count back 2. Each jump moves one number to the left.2, 3
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count on 2 from 2: you land on 4. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.5
- Count back 2. Each jump moves one number to the left.3, 4
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Count on 2 from 3: you land on 5. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.3, 4, 5
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Count on 3 from 3: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.10
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.7, 8, 9
- Write the answer. 7
Check. Count on 3 from 7: you land on 10. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.10
- Count back 8. Each jump moves one number to the left.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count on 8 from 2: you land on 10. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 4. Each jump moves one number to the left.2, 3, 4, 5
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count on 4 from 2: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.9
- Count back 5. Each jump moves one number to the left.4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count on 5 from 4: you land on 9. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Writing the answer in a subtraction sum
A subtraction sum has a minus sign and an equals sign.
Start with the first number. Take away the second number. Write the answer after the equals sign.
Key ideas
- The first number is the start.
- The second number is taken away.
- Write the answer after the equals sign.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.8
- Take away 3. Cross out or count back this many.8 - 3
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.5
Check. Add back: 5 + 3 = 8. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.10
- Take away 4. Cross out or count back this many.10 - 4
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.6
Check. Add back: 6 + 4 = 10. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.6
- Take away 6. Cross out or count back this many.6 - 6
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.0
Check. Add back: 0 + 6 = 6. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Watch out
Watch out. 6 − 6 is 0, not 6. Taking away all of them leaves none.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Read the sum aloud: “Eight take away three is...” Then count back to check.
Exercise 7C Subtraction sums
Non-calculatorMethod. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.7
- Take away 5. Cross out or count back this many.7 - 5
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 5 = 7. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.5
- Take away 4. Cross out or count back this many.5 - 4
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 4 = 5. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.5
- Take away 3. Cross out or count back this many.5 - 3
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 3 = 5. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.4
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.4 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 2 = 4. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.4
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.4 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 2 = 4. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.5
- Take away 4. Cross out or count back this many.5 - 4
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 4 = 5. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.7
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.7 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.6
Check. Add back: 6 + 1 = 7. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.8
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.8 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.7
Check. Add back: 7 + 1 = 8. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.3
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.3 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 1 = 3. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.3
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.3 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 2 = 3. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.6
- Take away 3. Cross out or count back this many.6 - 3
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.3
Check. Add back: 3 + 3 = 6. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.6
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.6 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.5
Check. Add back: 5 + 1 = 6. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Take-away stories
A story can tell you to take away. Look for words like went, ate, flew away or were given away.
Find how many there were at the start. Then take away the number that went.
Key ideas
- Start with how many there were.
- Take away the number that went.
- Check: the answer plus the number that went makes the start.
Method. Start with 8. Take away the 3 that were eaten.
- Start with 8 apples. Tom had eight apples.8
- Take away the 3 that were eaten. Three apples went.8 - 3 = 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Add back: 5 + 3 = 8. It is right.
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with 6. Take away the 2 that flew away.
- Start with 6 balloons. Aisha had six balloons.6
- Take away the 2 that flew away. Two balloons went.6 - 2 = 4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Add back: 4 + 2 = 6. It is right.
Watch out. Count the balloons that are left, not the ones that flew.
Method. Start with 10. Take away the 5 cars given away.
- Start with 10 cars. Leo had ten cars.10
- Take away the 5 given away. Five cars went to his friend.10 - 5 = 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Add back: 5 + 5 = 10. It is right.
Watch out. Use the number at the start, then take away.
Watch out
Watch out. Read the whole story first. Find the number at the start and the number taken away.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Read the story aloud, twice if needed. Ask your child what the story starts with, and what goes.
Exercise 7D Take-away stories
Non-calculatorMethod. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Amira had 6 balloons.6
- Take away the ones that went. 4 flew away, so take them away.6 - 4 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Add back: 2 + 4 = 6. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Noah had 10 cakes.10
- Take away the ones that went. 7 were eaten, so take them away.10 - 7 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 7 = 10. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Priya had 5 birds.5
- Take away the ones that went. 3 flew off, so take them away.5 - 3 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Add back: 2 + 3 = 5. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Jack had 8 cars.8
- Take away the ones that went. 6 drove away, so take them away.8 - 6 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Add back: 2 + 6 = 8. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Zainab had 10 apples.10
- Take away the ones that went. 7 were eaten, so take them away.10 - 7 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 7 = 10. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Leo had 8 balloons.8
- Take away the ones that went. 7 flew away, so take them away.8 - 7 = 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Add back: 1 + 7 = 8. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Mei had 5 cakes.5
- Take away the ones that went. 3 were eaten, so take them away.5 - 3 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Add back: 2 + 3 = 5. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Tom had 6 birds.6
- Take away the ones that went. 2 flew off, so take them away.6 - 2 = 4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Add back: 4 + 2 = 6. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Aisha had 10 cars.10
- Take away the ones that went. 7 drove away, so take them away.10 - 7 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 7 = 10. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Ruby had 10 apples.10
- Take away the ones that went. 4 were eaten, so take them away.10 - 4 = 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Add back: 6 + 4 = 10. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Amira had 4 balloons.4
- Take away the ones that went. 3 flew away, so take them away.4 - 3 = 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Add back: 1 + 3 = 4. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Noah had 5 cakes.5
- Take away the ones that went. 2 were eaten, so take them away.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 2 = 5. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Priya had 5 birds.5
- Take away the ones that went. 2 flew off, so take them away.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 2 = 5. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Jack had 7 cars.7
- Take away the ones that went. 2 drove away, so take them away.7 - 2 = 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Add back: 5 + 2 = 7. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Zainab had 10 apples.10
- Take away the ones that went. 9 were eaten, so take them away.10 - 9 = 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Add back: 1 + 9 = 10. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Leo had 8 balloons.8
- Take away the ones that went. 2 flew away, so take them away.8 - 2 = 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. Add back: 6 + 2 = 8. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Take away | Cross out the ones that go. Count what is left |
| Counting back | Start at the number and move left, one jump at a time |
| Subtraction sums | Start at the first number, take away the second, write the answer |
| Stories | Start with how many there were, then take away the number that went |
Can you…?
- I know the minus sign means take away
- I can cross out and count what is left
- I can count back on a number line
- I can write the answer in a subtraction sum
- I can answer a take-away story
Key terms
- take away
- to remove some things and count what is left
- minus sign
- the sign − that means take away
- count back
- to go down one at a time
- subtraction
- taking one number away from another
Exercise 7Z Check-up
Non-calculatorMethod. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.7
- Take away 3. Cross out or count back this many.7 - 3
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.4
Check. Add back: 4 + 3 = 7. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Count the things that are not crossed out.
- Count the whole group. There are this many to start.3
- Take away the crossed-out ones. Cross out 1 and take them away.3 - 1 = 2
- Count what is left. Count only the ones not crossed out.1, 2
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that counts the ones left.2 are left.
Check. Add back: 2 + 1 = 3. ✓
Watch out. Count only the ones that are not crossed out.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.5
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.2, 3, 4
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count on 3 from 2: you land on 5. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.7
- Count back 3. Each jump moves one number to the left.4, 5, 6
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Count on 3 from 4: you land on 7. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.9
- Count back 7. Each jump moves one number to the left.2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Count on 7 from 2: you land on 9. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.9
- Take away 3. Cross out or count back this many.9 - 3
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.6
Check. Add back: 6 + 3 = 9. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.3
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.3 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.2
Check. Add back: 2 + 1 = 3. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Amira had 5 balloons.5
- Take away the ones that went. 2 flew away, so take them away.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 2 = 5. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Noah had 6 cakes.6
- Take away the ones that went. 3 were eaten, so take them away.6 - 3 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 3 = 6. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Total 18 marks. Allow about 18 minutes.
Exercise 7X Practice test questions
Non-calculatorMethod. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.8
- Take away 7. Cross out or count back this many.8 - 7
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 7 = 8. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.2
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.2 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 1 = 2. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Count the things that are not crossed out.
- Count the whole group. There are this many to start.7
- Take away the crossed-out ones. Cross out 3 and take them away.7 - 3 = 4
- Count what is left. Count only the ones not crossed out.1, 2, 3, 4
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that counts the ones left.4 are left.
Check. Add back: 4 + 3 = 7. ✓
Watch out. Count only the ones that are not crossed out.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 5. Each jump moves one number to the left.1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Count on 5 from 1: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Start at the bigger number. Count back one jump at a time.
- Start at the number. We begin here and count back.6
- Count back 1. Each jump moves one number to the left.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Count on 1 from 5: you land on 6. ✓
Watch out. Count the jumps back, not the numbers you land on.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.7
- Take away 1. Cross out or count back this many.7 - 1
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.6
Check. Add back: 6 + 1 = 7. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.9
- Take away 5. Cross out or count back this many.9 - 5
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.4
Check. Add back: 4 + 5 = 9. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Take away the second number from the first. Count back to check.
- Start with the first number. It is the number of things we begin with.3
- Take away 2. Cross out or count back this many.3 - 2
- Write the answer. This is how many are left.1
Check. Add back: 1 + 2 = 3. The answer is right.
Watch out. Count back from the first number, not up from the second.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Amira had 6 balloons.6
- Take away the ones that went. 5 flew away, so take them away.6 - 5 = 1
- Write the answer. 1
Check. Add back: 1 + 5 = 6. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.
Method. Start with how many there were. Take away the number that went.
- Start with the number at the start. Noah had 8 cakes.8
- Take away the ones that went. 5 were eaten, so take them away.8 - 5 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Add back: 3 + 5 = 8. ✓
Watch out. Take away the number that went, not the number that stayed.