Subtracting 5
🖐️ High five... minus 5! Subtracting 5 is easy when you remember that 5 is exactly half of 10. You can use your hands to help!
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
We have 5 fingers on one hand. This makes subtracting 5 very visual!
🎯 The "Whole Hand" Trick: If you start with a number like 8, think of it as a whole hand (5 fingers) plus 3 more fingers. Example: 8 - 5 = ? If you take away the whole hand (5), what is left? Just the 3 extra fingers! So, 8 - 5 = 3.
🎯 Teen Numbers: What if you start with a teen number? Use the "Step on 10" strategy! Example: 12 - 5 = ? 1. 12 down to 10 is 2 steps. 2. 5 is made of 2 and 3. So take away 3 more from 10. 3. 10 - 3 = 7. So, 12 - 5 = 7.
Try it
Let's subtract whole hands!
Instructions: Subtract 5 from the starting number.
Problem 1: 9 - 5 = ? * Think of 9 as 5 and 4. Take away the 5! * Answer: ___
Problem 2: 7 - 5 = ? * Answer: ___
Problem 3: 10 - 5 = ? * Answer: ___
Problem 4: 13 - 5 = ? * (Use the Step on 10 trick: Take away 3 to get 10, then take 2 more!) * Answer: ___