Subtraction by Backward Counting

Subtraction by counting back is one of the easier ways to learn subtraction. Counting back will help children to learn subtraction by taking away or subtracting the smaller number from the larger number i.e. by counting backward from the larger number.

Here are some of the following examples to get more idea about subtraction by backward counting.

I. Subtraction by Backward Counting on a Number Strip:

1.

To find out 6 - 2, put your finger on 6 and move 2 steps backwards.

You reach 4.

So, 6 - 2 = 4

2.

To find out 7 - 4, put your finger on 7 and move 4 steps backwards.

You reach 3.

So, 7 - 4 = 3

We can subtract by counting backward on the number strip.

3. 

To find 15 - 6, put your finger on 15 and move 6 steps backwards.

You reach 9.

So, 15 - 6 = 9

II. Subtraction by Backward Counting:

1. To find out 4 - 3, begin with 4 and count 3 numbers backwards.

So, 4 - 3 = 1

2. To subtract 4 from 8, begin with 8 and count 4 numbers backwards.

So, 8 - 4 = 4

We can count backward like this also.

3. To subtract 6 from 18, begin with 18 and count 6 numbers backwards.

So, 18 - 6 = 12

Worksheet on Subtraction by Backward Counting:

1. Fill in the boxes.

(i) 5 - 1 = ☐

(ii) 3 - 1 = ☐

(iii) 5 - 3 = ☐

(iv) 6 - 3 = ☐

(v) 7 - 2 = ☐

(vi) 9 - 5 = ☐

(vii) 8 - 4 = ☐

(viii) 6 - 5 = ☐

2. Subtract by counting backwards and fill in the boxes.

3. Now work out these subtraction problem.

4. Do these subtractions by counting backwards. One has been done for you.

First Grade Math Activities

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