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.

Backward Counting

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

You reach 4.

So, 6 - 2 = 4



2.

Subtraction by Backward Counting

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. 

Subtraction Backward Counting

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.

Subtract 3 from 4

So, 4 - 3 = 1


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

Subtract 4 from 8

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.

Backward Counting Subtraction

So, 18 - 6 = 12


Worksheet on Subtraction by Backward Counting:

1. Fill in the boxes.

Backward Counting Subtraction Number Strip

(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.

Subtraction by Counting Backward

3. Now work out these subtraction problem.

(i)

             1 1

         -     4 

       ______

(ii)

             1 1

         -     7 

       ______

(iii)

             1 3

         -     7 

       ______

(iv)

             1 2

         -     8 

       ______

(v)

             1 4

         -     7 

       ______

(vi)

             1 3

         -     5 

       ______

(vii)

             1 2

         -     9

       ______

(viii)

             1 4

         -     4 

       ______

(ix)

             1 8

         -     9

       ______

(x)

             1 6

         -     7 

       ______


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

Subtraction by Counting Backwards

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