How to subtract from 10 in your head

For ages 7 to 10 (Years 3 to 5) · 2-minute read · free worksheet

Taking away from 10 is number bonds to 10 used backwards. If your child knows 3 and 7 make 10, they already know 10 take away 3.

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Worksheet includes an answer key for grown-ups

How it works

  1. Think of the number bond to 10.
  2. 10 take away one number leaves its partner.

Worked example

10 − 3: 3 and 7 make 10, so 10 − 3 = 7.

Top tip

If this feels hard, spend a few days on number bonds to 10 first. It makes this trick automatic.
How to subtract from 10 in your head: 10 − 3 = ? 3 and 7 make 10, so 7

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