Start with the first number and count backwards
Example:
7 - 3: Start at 7, count back 3: 6, 5, 4 → Answer: 4
Remove objects from a group
Example:
5 - 2: Start with 5 cookies 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪, take away 2 → 3 left
Jump backward on a number line
Example:
9 - 4: Start at 9 ← jump 4 ← land on 5
Use addition facts you know
Example:
10 - 7: Think "7 + what = 10?" → 7 + 3 = 10, so answer is 3
Special rule for subtracting zero
Example:
8 - 0 = 8 (Any number minus zero is itself)
Different problems might be easier with different methods. Practice them all!
Stick with the strategy that makes the most sense to you personally.
Use a different strategy to verify your answer is correct.
Just 10 minutes of practice each day builds strong math skills.