Subtraction games with dice

Quick answer

Subtraction games with dice help children learn take-away and difference facts in a fun, hands-on way. You can play these games using just a pair of dice and some counters or pencils.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to play subtraction games using dice to solve take-away and difference problems with numbers up to 12.

Success signs:

• You can roll two dice and find the difference between the numbers.
• You can use subtraction to solve simple word problems.
• You can play a subtraction game with a friend or family member.
• You can explain how you found the answer when solving a subtraction problem.

Why this matters

Subtraction is a key skill that helps you understand how much is left when you take something away. You use subtraction every day, like when you eat 3 cookies from a pack of 8, or when you have 10 toys and give 4 to your friend. Subtraction games with dice make this learning fun and help you get faster at solving problems. These games also help prepare you for more advanced maths like word problems, money, and time.

How it works

Subtraction games with dice use two dice to create subtraction problems. Here's how:

1. Roll two dice.
2. Find the bigger number and the smaller number.
3. Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number.
4. Record your answer or use it in a game.

This is how subtraction works in the real world. If you have 8 apples and eat 3, you have 5 apples left. That's 8 minus 3 equals 5.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some examples of subtraction games with dice.

Example 1: Roll and subtract

Roll two dice. If you roll a 6 and a 3:

• Bigger number: 6
• Smaller number: 3
• Subtract: 6 – 3 = 3

So you have 3 left.

Example 2: Difference game

Roll two dice. If you roll a 4 and a 9:

• Bigger number: 9
• Smaller number: 4
• Subtract: 9 – 4 = 5

The difference between 9 and 4 is 5.

Example 3: Counting back

Imagine you have 7 sweets. You eat 2. How many are left?

• Start at 7
• Count back 2: 6, 5
• You have 5 sweets left

That's 7 – 2 = 5.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Treasure Hunt

You and your friend are going on a treasure hunt. You each roll a die to see how many steps you can take. The person who rolls the higher number gets to move forward. Then, you need to find the difference between your two numbers to see how many steps apart you are.

Here’s how to play:

1. Player 1 rolls a die. Let's say they roll a 5.
2. Player 2 rolls a die. Let's say they roll a 2.
3. Player 1 moves 5 steps forward.
4. Player 2 moves 2 steps forward.
5. Find the difference: 5 – 2 = 3
6. So, you are 3 steps apart.

Keep playing until one person reaches the treasure!

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that 3 – 5 = 2
  Why it happens: Children might be confused about which number is bigger when subtracting.
  Fix: Always find the bigger number first. Then subtract the smaller number from it. So 5 – 3 = 2.
• Mistake: Forgetting to subtract
  Why it happens: Children might just write the two numbers without taking away.
  Fix: Remember to use the minus sign and find the difference between the numbers.
• Mistake: Counting backwards from the smaller number
  Why it happens: It’s easy to get confused about which number to start counting from.
  Fix: Always start from the bigger number and count back the smaller number.

Parent and carer guide

Playing subtraction games with dice is a great way to help your child practice maths at home. Here’s how to support them:

• Play the game together and encourage your child to explain their thinking.
• Use real objects like counters or toys to show subtraction problems.
• Ask questions like: “What happens if you take 3 away from 7?” or “How many more is 9 than 5?”
• Don’t worry if they get the answer wrong at first – that’s how learning happens!
• Make it fun by turning it into a race or a challenge.

Remember, the goal is not just to get the right answer, but to understand how subtraction works. If your child is struggling, go back to using fingers or objects to help them visualise the problem.

Practice questions

1. Roll a die and get a 6. Roll another die and get a 2. What is the difference?
2. Roll a 9 and a 4. What is the difference?
3. Roll a 3 and a 7. What is the difference?
4. Roll a 5 and a 5. What is the difference?
5. Roll a 10 and a 6. What is the difference?

Answers:

1. 6 – 2 = 4
2. 9 – 4 = 5
3. 7 – 3 = 4
4. 5 – 5 = 0
5. 10 – 6 = 4

FAQ

What are subtraction games with dice?

Subtraction games with dice are simple games where you roll two dice and use the numbers to solve subtraction problems. These games help children learn take-away and difference facts in a fun way.

Can I play this game with my little brother or sister?

Yes! You can play subtraction games with dice with anyone, even if they are younger or older than you. You can make the problems easier or harder depending on their age.

How can I make subtraction games more challenging?

You can make the game harder by using more dice, using bigger numbers, or adding a timer. You can also create word problems based on the numbers you roll.

What if my child doesn’t understand subtraction?

Start with simple examples using fingers or counters. You can also use games like the treasure hunt to make it more visual and fun.

Are there any other games I can play with dice?

Yes! You can play addition games, multiplication games, or even probability games with dice. Dice are a great way to make maths fun!