The Addition-Subtraction Connection

Here is something that will make subtraction so much easier for your child: addition and subtraction are best friends. They are two sides of the same coin. If you know that 5 + 3 = 8, then you also know that 8 - 3 = 5 and 8 - 5 = 3.

Once your child sees this connection, subtraction stops being a separate, scary thing and starts feeling like something they already know.

Strategy 1: Think Addition

This is the most powerful subtraction strategy, and it is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of thinking "What is 12 minus 5?" your child thinks "5 plus WHAT equals 12?"

Examples: - 12 - 5 = ? Think: 5 + ? = 12. I know 5 + 7 = 12, so 12 - 5 = 7! - 15 - 8 = ? Think: 8 + ? = 15. I know 8 + 7 = 15, so 15 - 8 = 7! - 11 - 4 = ? Think: 4 + ? = 11. I know 4 + 7 = 11, so 11 - 4 = 7!

This strategy works because your child is using addition facts they already know to solve subtraction problems. It is efficient and it builds understanding.

Strategy 2: Count Back

Counting back works best when you are subtracting a small number (1, 2, or 3). Your child starts at the bigger number and counts backward.

Examples: - 9 - 2: Start at 9, count back two: 8, 7. The answer is 7. - 14 - 3: Start at 14, count back three: 13, 12, 11. The answer is 11. - 7 - 1: Start at 7, count back one: 6. The answer is 6.

A number line makes this strategy visual and concrete. Draw a number line from 0 to 20 on a piece of paper. For 9 - 2, put your finger on 9 and hop back two spaces.

Strategy 3: Use a Ten Frame

Ten frames are not just for addition! They work beautifully for subtraction, too.

Example: 13 - 5 1. Fill one ten frame completely (10 beans) and put 3 beans in a second frame. That is 13. 2. Now remove 5 beans. 3. Take 3 from the second frame (it is now empty) and 2 from the first frame. 4. Count what is left: 8 beans. So 13 - 5 = 8.

The ten frame helps your child see the subtraction happening and understand how the numbers break apart.

Fact Families

A fact family is a group of related addition and subtraction facts that use the same three numbers. Teaching fact families reinforces the addition-subtraction connection.

Example fact family for 3, 5, 8: - 3 + 5 = 8 - 5 + 3 = 8 - 8 - 3 = 5 - 8 - 5 = 3

Give your child three numbers and ask them to write all four facts. It is like a puzzle, and most kids find it satisfying once they see the pattern.

Practice Activities

Number Line Hops: Draw a number line. Give a subtraction problem. Your child hops backward on the line to find the answer.

Think Addition Flash: Hold up a subtraction problem (like 11 - 4). Your child says the related addition fact (4 + 7 = 11) and then gives the answer.

Fact Family Houses: Draw a house shape. Write the three numbers of a fact family on the roof, and the four facts inside the house.

Ten Frame Take Away: Fill a ten frame, call out a number to remove, and have your child figure out what is left.

Tips for Parents

Subtraction fluency builds on addition fluency. If your child is not solid on addition facts yet, spend more time there before pushing subtraction strategies. And remember, using objects and visuals is not a crutch - it is how kids build real understanding. The abstract speed will come with time and practice.