Subtracting is so much harder to teach. There are more basic subtraction facts to master that have no system than adding facts.

• Subtracting zero.
  A number minus zero is the number. Always exaggerate an example: a trillion minus zero is a trillion. Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting one.
  A number minus one is the previous number on the number line. You may have to have them practice counting backwards to master this one. Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting two, three, and four.
  Use the "touch math" method so the students can count-down using the points on the numbers. Try to find a font that shows the four with four ends. Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting nine.
  Use 'magic nine'. To subtract nine from basic minus facts, just add the top numbers together by putting a little plus sign in between the top numbers.
  eg. 14 - 9 = (1 + 4) or 5 Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting ten.
  Subtracting ten has a system, you just bring down the ones digit in the top number.
  eg. 17 - 10 = 7 Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting doubles.
  Tell them that subtracting is just adding upside down.
  eg. For, 16 - 8 say what plus 8 equals 16. Go to an exercise worksheet.
• Subtracting the rest using the math ladder.
  Use the math ladder. Take the bottom number and subtract it from ten, then add it to the ones digit of the top number.
  eg. 16 - 7 = (10 - 7 = 3) + 6 = 9. Go to an exercise worksheet.
  (This is the best method to use with older students — they will become as quick at using this method as someone who simply memorizes the math fact.)

Three strategies to use for students that have problems memorizing their subtraction math facts.

1. For subtracting 1 thru 4, they should count down using the points on the lower number.

2. Use 'Magic Nine', simply add the top two numbers together. eg., 17 - 9, add 1 + 7 = 8.

3. Use the Math Ladder method. Students subtract the bottom number from 10 and then add that number to the one's digit of the top number. eg., 15 - 7 = 10 - 7 = 3 then add the 3 to the 5 (which is the one's digit in the top number), so 3 + 5 = 8. The Math Ladder is a little complicated to explain but a great tool. 'Magic Nine' is really just the math ladder method.

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