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subtraction

Subtracting one and two

Build early fluency with small take-away facts.

Quick answer

Subtracting one and two means taking away one or two items from a group. You can do this by counting backwards or using your fingers.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to subtract one or two from any number up to 10, and understand that subtracting means taking away. Success signs:
  • You can count backwards from 10 when subtracting one
  • You can take away two items and count how many are left
  • You can solve simple subtraction problems like 5 - 2 = 3
  • You can explain that subtracting makes numbers smaller

Why this matters

Subtracting one and two is the first step in learning subtraction. It helps you understand how numbers get smaller when you take things away. This skill is useful when sharing toys, eating snacks, or playing games. It also prepares you for bigger subtraction problems later on. In games, you might subtract one or two points when someone loses a turn. In cooking, you might subtract two eggs from a dozen when making pancakes. When you're playing football, you might subtract two from your score if you make a mistake.

How it works

Subtraction means taking away. When you subtract one, you go back one number in the counting sequence. When you subtract two, you go back two numbers. To subtract one:
  1. Start with a number
  2. Count backwards one step
  3. That's your answer
To subtract two:
  1. Start with a number
  2. Count backwards two steps
  3. That's your answer
You can also use your fingers or objects to help you.

Examples you can see

Let's look at some examples of subtracting one and two. Subtracting one:
  • 7 - 1 = 6 (Seven take away one is six)
  • 3 - 1 = 2 (Three take away one is two)
  • 10 - 1 = 9 (Ten take away one is nine)
Subtracting two:
  • 6 - 2 = 4 (Six take away two is four)
  • 8 - 2 = 6 (Eight take away two is six)
  • 5 - 2 = 3 (Five take away two is three)
You can show this with counters or toys:
  • Put 5 toys on the table. Take away one toy. Count how many are left. (5 - 1 = 4)
  • Put 6 crayons in a box. Take away two crayons. Count how many are left. (6 - 2 = 4)

Try it as a mini adventure

The Magic Forest Adventure You are a brave explorer in a magical forest. You start with 8 magic berries in your basket. 1st time: You find a mushroom and take away one berry to give it to the fairy. How many berries do you have now? (8 - 1 = 7 berries) 2nd time: You see a small bird and give it one berry. How many berries are left? (7 - 1 = 6 berries) 3rd time: You find a nest with 6 eggs. You take away two eggs to feed your pet dragon. How many eggs are left in the nest? (6 - 2 = 4 eggs) 4th time: You meet a friendly squirrel who asks for two nuts. You give them away. You had 5 nuts. How many nuts do you have now? (5 - 2 = 3 nuts) 5th time: You discover a treasure chest with 10 golden coins. You take away one coin for your friend. How many coins are left in the chest? (10 - 1 = 9 coins)

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 5 - 2 = 7
    Why it happens: Confusing subtraction with addition
    Fix: Count backwards: 5, 4, 3. So 5 - 2 = 3
  • Mistake: Thinking 9 - 1 = 8, but then 9 - 2 = 10
    Why it happens: Not understanding that subtracting makes numbers smaller
    Fix: Remember: 9 - 2 means going back two steps from 9, so 9 - 2 = 7
  • Mistake: Counting forward instead of backward
    Why it happens: Not knowing the meaning of "take away"
    Fix: Use your fingers or objects to help you count backwards

Parent and carer guide

How to help your child at home:
  • Use everyday objects like toys, fruits, or buttons to practice subtracting one and two
  • Play counting backwards games. Start at 10 and count backwards: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
  • Ask questions like: "You had 6 cookies and ate one. How many are left?"
  • Use number lines to show subtraction visually
  • Practice with simple word problems like "There were 8 birds on a tree. 2 flew away. How many are left?"
What to watch for:
  • Does your child understand that subtraction means taking away?
  • Can they count backwards easily?
  • Do they know that subtracting makes numbers smaller?
What not to worry about:
  • It's normal for children to make mistakes at first
  • They don't need to memorize all facts instantly
  • Use games and play to make learning fun

Practice questions

  1. What is 5 - 1?
  2. What is 3 - 2?
  3. What is 7 - 1?
  4. What is 9 - 2?
  5. What is 4 - 1?
  6. What is 6 - 2?
  7. What is 10 - 1?
  8. What is 2 - 2?
  9. What is 8 - 1?
  10. What is 5 - 2?
Answers:
  1. 4
  2. 1
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 3
  6. 4
  7. 9
  8. 0
  9. 7
  10. 3

FAQ

What does subtracting one and two mean?

Subtracting one and two means taking away one or two items from a group of things. It makes the group smaller.

Why is subtracting one and two important?

It's the first step in learning subtraction. It helps you understand how numbers change when you take things away, which is useful in daily life and helps with bigger math problems later.

How can I practice subtracting one and two?

You can use toys, fingers, or draw pictures. Try counting backwards or use real-life situations like eating cookies or sharing snacks.

What happens when you subtract two from two?

When you subtract two from two, you get zero. This is because you take away everything.

How can I help my child who is struggling with subtraction?

Use lots of hands-on objects, play counting backwards games, and practice with simple word problems. Be patient and make it fun!