Primary Maths • Years 0–6

Subtraction Resources

Take away, compare and find the difference.

Maths at a glance

See the idea

Basic fact9 − 4 = 5
Difference13 − 8 = 5
Bridge through 1052 − 7 = 45
Larger numbers403 − 178

Learning pathway

Choose a year

Key skills

What learners practise

taking away and finding what remainscomparing two quantities and finding the differencesubtraction facts and related addition factscounting on or back strategicallyplace-value partitioning and regroupingchecking subtraction with addition and estimation
Teaching tips
  • Use both “take away” and “difference” problems so learners meet more than one meaning of subtraction.
  • Encourage counting on when the numbers are close together; it can be more efficient than counting back.
  • Use place-value materials to show why regrouping works before relying on written notation.

Ready to practise?

Open the Year 0–6 lesson pathway.

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