What this worksheet covers
Every problem on this sheet starts from a number between 11 and 20 and takes away a single digit, such as 15 − 8 or 13 − 4. When the ones digit of the starting number is smaller than the number taken away, the student has to cross back through ten, which is where most errors happen. The sheet mixes those with the easier ones that do not cross.
Who it is for
Common Core 1.OA.C.6 sets this as grade 1 content, with fluency within 10 as the firm goal, and 2.OA.B.2 asks for fluency within 20 by the end of second grade. Use it once the within 10 facts are secure.
Subtracting from numbers from 11 to 20 · grades 1 and 2
A worked example
For 14 − 6, a student can take away 4 to reach 10, then take away the remaining 2 to land at 8. Writing 14 − 4 = 10, 10 − 2 = 8 on the board shows the move. Ask students to try the same two steps on 13 − 5 and 16 − 9.
Mistakes to watch for
- Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in the ones place, so 15 − 8 becomes 13 because 8 − 5 = 3. The ones digit of the answer is not always the difference of the digits.
- Counting back and losing track, ending one or two away from the answer. Use fingers to track the steps, or a number line.
Make it your own
This sheet is one setting of the math worksheet generator. Open it there to change the skill, the range of numbers or the heading, or to mix several skills on one sheet.