Common Core: 1st Grade Math

This subject covers foundational math concepts for first graders, including addition, subtraction, and basic number sense.

Number Sense and CountingAddition BasicsSubtraction Basics
Understanding Place ValueWord Problems with Addition and SubtractionComparing and Ordering Numbers
Using Math at the Grocery StoreMath with MoneySharing and Dividing Fairly
Using Objects and DrawingsCounting On and Counting Back
Number Sense and Cou...Addition BasicsSubtraction BasicsUnderstanding Place ...Word Problems with A...Comparing and Orderi...Using Math at the Gr...Math with MoneySharing and Dividing...Using Objects and Dr...Counting On and Coun...
Basic Concepts

Subtraction Basics

Taking Away

Subtraction means taking some objects away from a group to see how many are left.

What Does Subtraction Look Like?

Imagine you have 5 cookies and eat 2. How many are left?
You can write this as: \(5 - 2 = 3\)

Subtraction Symbols

The minus sign \((-)\) means take away, and the equals sign \((=)\) shows the answer.

Subtraction in Action

You can use blocks, fingers, or drawings to show subtraction.

Subtraction All Around Us

Subtraction helps when sharing things or knowing how many are left after using some.

Examples

  • If you have 7 balloons and 3 fly away, you have 4 left.

  • Taking away 2 apples from a basket of 6 leaves you with 4 apples.

In a Nutshell

Subtraction is taking away from a group to see what remains.

Key Terms

Subtraction
Taking away a part from a group to find what is left.
Minus Sign
The symbol ‘-’ shows subtraction.
Next
Understanding Place Value