Solved Exercises on Making 10 to Subtract in Grade 1

Master making 10 to subtract: number bonds, subtraction strategies, mental math techniques, and visual representations through these 5 detailed exercises.

Solution: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Making 10 Subtraction
Exercise 1
Subtract: 14 - 8 using the "making 10" strategy
Definition:

Making 10 Strategy for Subtraction: Break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Subtraction method:
  1. Break apart the larger number (14) into 10 and the remainder
  2. Subtract from 10 first
  3. Add the remainder back
Original
14 - 8
Break 14
10 + 4
Subtract from 10
10 - 8 = 2
Final
2 + 4 = 6
Step 1: Break apart the larger number

14 = 10 + 4

Step 2: Subtract from 10

10 - 8 = 2

Step 3: Add the remainder

2 + 4 = 6

14 - 8 = 6
Final answer:

14 - 8 = 6

Applied rules:

• Decomposition: Break apart the larger number into 10 and the remainder

• Subtraction from 10: Use known facts about 10

• Regrouping: Combine results after subtracting from 10

2 Making 10 Subtraction
Exercise 2
Subtract: 13 - 7 using the "making 10" strategy
Definition:

Making 10 Strategy for Subtraction: Break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Original
13 - 7
Break 13
10 + 3
Subtract from 10
10 - 7 = 3
Final
3 + 3 = 6
Step 1: Break apart the larger number

13 = 10 + 3

Step 2: Subtract from 10

10 - 7 = 3

Step 3: Add the remainder

3 + 3 = 6

13 - 7 = 6
Final answer:

13 - 7 = 6

Applied rules:

• Decomposition: Break 13 into 10 + 3

• Subtraction from 10: Use known facts (10 - 7 = 3)

• Regrouping: Combine results after subtracting from 10

3 Number Bonds
Exercise 3
Complete the number bond: 10 - ? = 7
Definition:

Number Bond: Shows how numbers can be split into parts that make up the whole

Expression
10 - ? = 7
Known Part
10
Missing Part
3
Step 1: Start with the known part

We have 10

Step 2: Count down to 7

10, 9, 8, 7 → We counted 3 less

Step 3: Verify the answer

10 - 3 = 7 ✓

Step 4: Complete the number bond

10 - 3 = 7

10 - 3 = 7
Final answer:

10 - 3 = 7

Applied rules:

• Counting Down: Count from the starting number to the target

• Part-Whole Relationship: The difference connects the parts

• Verification: Check that the operation gives the expected result

Rules and methods, laws,...
14 - 8 = (10 + 4) - 8 = (10 - 8) + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6
Making 10 Subtraction
Subtraction
14 - 8 → (10 + 4) - 8 → 2 + 4
Use 10 as bridge
Number Bonds
10 - 3 = 7
Parts make whole
Strategy
13 - 7 → (10 + 3) - 7 → 3 + 3
Break to use 10
Key definitions:

Making 10 for Subtraction: A strategy to break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Number Bonds: Pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total

Decomposition: Breaking apart numbers into smaller parts

Regrouping: Reorganizing numbers after performing operations

Complete methodology:
  1. Identify the target: Look for opportunities to use 10
  2. Break apart strategically: Split the larger number into 10 and remainder
  3. Subtract in parts: Subtract from 10 first, then add the remainder
  4. Verify the result: Check your answer
Tip 1: Practice number bonds to 10 until automatic (1+9, 2+8, 3+7, etc.)
Tip 2: Use fingers or counters to visualize making 10.
Tip 3: Think "How many more to make 10?" when adding numbers close to 10.
Common errors: Forgetting to add the remainder after subtracting from 10, miscounting parts.
Memory aids: Remember number bonds to 10: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5.
Strategies to know by heart:

• Making 10 subtraction: 14 - 8 = (10 + 4) - 8 = (10 - 8) + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6

• Breaking apart: 13 - 7 = (10 + 3) - 7 = (10 - 7) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6

• Number bonds: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5 all equal 10

Solution: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Complex Subtraction
Exercise 4
Subtract: 15 - 9 using the "making 10" strategy
Definition:

Making 10 Strategy for Subtraction: Break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Original
15 - 9
Break 15
10 + 5
Subtract from 10
10 - 9 = 1
Final
1 + 5 = 6
Step 1: Break apart the larger number

15 = 10 + 5

Step 2: Subtract from 10

10 - 9 = 1

Step 3: Add the remainder

1 + 5 = 6

Step 4: Verify the result

9 + 6 = 15 ✓

15 - 9 = 6
Final answer:

15 - 9 = 6

Applied rules:

• Decomposition: Break 15 into 10 + 5

• Subtraction from 10: Use known facts (10 - 9 = 1)

• Regrouping: Combine results after subtracting from 10

5 Advanced Subtraction
Exercise 5
Subtract: 16 - 8 using the "making 10" strategy
Definition:

Making 10 Strategy for Subtraction: Break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Original
16 - 8
Break 16
10 + 6
Subtract from 10
10 - 8 = 2
Final
2 + 6 = 8
Step 1: Break apart the larger number

16 = 10 + 6

Step 2: Subtract from 10

10 - 8 = 2

Step 3: Add the remainder

2 + 6 = 8

Step 4: Verify the result

8 + 8 = 16 ✓

16 - 8 = 8
Final answer:

16 - 8 = 8

Applied rules:

• Decomposition: Break 16 into 10 + 6

• Subtraction from 10: Use known facts (10 - 8 = 2)

• Regrouping: Combine results after subtracting from 10

Making 10 to Subtract: Comprehensive Guide and Summary
14 - 8 = (10 + 4) - 8 = (10 - 8) + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6
Making 10 Strategy
Key definitions:

Making 10 for Subtraction: A mental math strategy where you break apart the larger number using 10 as a bridge

Number Bonds: Pairs of numbers that add up to a specific total (especially 10)

Decomposition: Breaking apart numbers into smaller, more manageable parts

Regrouping: Reorganizing numbers after performing operations

Complete methodology:
  1. Analyze the problem: Look for opportunities to use 10
  2. Identify the strategy: Determine if making 10 will simplify the calculation
  3. Apply the method: Break apart the larger number into 10 and the remainder
  4. Complete the calculation: Subtract from 10, then add the remainder
  5. Verify the result: Check your answer by using another method
Tip 1: Practice the number bonds to 10 regularly: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5.
Tip 2: Use visual aids like ten frames or fingers to help visualize making 10.
Tip 3: Think "What do I need to subtract from 10?" when working with numbers near 10.
Tip 4: Start with easier problems like 12 - 3, 11 - 4 before moving to harder ones.
Common errors: Forgetting to add the remainder after subtracting from 10, miscounting when breaking apart numbers.
Key facts to memorize: The pairs that make 10: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5.
Formulas and strategies to know by heart:

• Making 10 subtraction: 14 - 8 = (10 + 4) - 8 = (10 - 8) + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6

• Breaking apart: 13 - 7 = (10 + 3) - 7 = (10 - 7) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6

• Number bonds to 10: 1+9, 2+8, 3+7, 4+6, 5+5

• Pattern recognition: Numbers close to 10 (8, 9) are good candidates for making 10 strategy

Visual Learning: Ten Frame Representation
Exercise 6: Using Ten Frames
Visualize subtraction using ten frames:
14 - 8 = ?
13 - 7 = ?
15 - 9 = ?

Analysis: The visual representation shows how 14 - 8 works:

  • Top frame shows 10 yellow dots (10 from 14)
  • Bottom frame shows 4 yellow dots (remainder from 14)
  • Blue dots show 8 being subtracted (7 from top frame, 1 from bottom)
  • Remaining: 2 + 4 = 6

Questions & Answers

Question: My child struggles with the concept of "making 10" for subtraction. They seem confused about why we need to break apart numbers. Can you explain why this strategy helps?

Answer: Great question! The "making 10" strategy for subtraction is incredibly valuable because:

  • Ten is a friendly number: It's the base of our number system, so calculations with 10 are intuitive
  • Builds number sense: Children learn relationships between numbers and how they can be flexibly combined
  • Prepares for advanced math: This strategy lays groundwork for place value understanding and mental math
  • Reduces cognitive load: Instead of calculating 14 - 8 directly, children work with familiar facts (10 - 8 = 2)

Think of it this way: 14 - 8 might seem challenging, but breaking it into (10 + 4) - 8 = (10 - 8) + 4 = 2 + 4 = 6 makes it easier because children already know 10 - 8 = 2.

Start with manipulatives like counters or fingers to help visualize the process before moving to abstract thinking.

Question: When I do 13 - 7, I know it's 6, but I forget how to show the "making 10" steps. Can you remind me?

Answer: Here's how to break down 13 - 7 using the "making 10" strategy:

  1. Break apart the larger number: 13 = 10 + 3
  2. Subtract from 10: 10 - 7 = 3
  3. Add the remainder: 3 + 3 = 6

So: 13 - 7 = (10 + 3) - 7 = (10 - 7) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6

Remember: Think "How many more to make 10?" when you see numbers close to 10!

Question: How does the "making 10" strategy help with future math skills?

Answer: The "making 10" strategy builds foundational skills that are crucial for advanced math:

  1. Place Value Understanding: Working with tens helps children understand our base-10 number system
  2. Mental Math: The strategy develops flexible thinking and efficient computation
  3. Number Relationships: Children learn how numbers relate to each other and can be decomposed
  4. Foundation for Regrouping: This strategy prepares students for borrowing in multi-digit subtraction

These skills transfer to more complex operations and build mathematical confidence and fluency.