➖ Taking Away within 10
Class 1 Maths · Unit 5 of 12 · about 120 minutes
This unit introduces subtraction as taking away and as finding how many more. Children use objects, pictures, and number stories to subtract within 10, learn the minus sign, and understand that subtracting zero leaves a number unchanged. It builds directly on counting and addition within 10 and prepares for adding and subtracting up to 20.
What your child will learn
- Students will be able to subtract numbers within 10 by taking away objects or pictures and telling how many are left.
- Students will be able to read and write subtraction sentences using the minus and equals signs (e.g., 7 − 3 = 4).
- Students will be able to solve simple subtraction word problems within 10 by acting out or drawing the story.
- Students will be able to find how many more one group has than another by matching and counting the extra.
- Students will be able to subtract zero from a number and state that the number stays the same.
Lessons in this unit
- Taking Away Objects: Introduce subtraction as removing objects from a group and counting what is left. Use concrete objects like counters, fingers, and small toys.
- The Minus Sign: Introduce the minus sign (−) and the equals sign (=) to write subtraction sentences. Connect the concrete action of taking away to the written form.
- Number Stories: Solve simple subtraction word problems within 10 by acting out, drawing, or using objects. Connect the story to a subtraction sentence.
- How Many More?: Find how many more one group has than another by matching objects one-to-one and counting the extra. Connect to subtraction as difference.
- Subtracting Zero: Understand that subtracting zero leaves the number unchanged. Use objects and pictures to show that taking away nothing means the group stays the same.
Key words
- take away
- Remove some things from a group.
- minus
- The sign that means take away. It looks like a line: −
- left
- The things that remain after taking away.
- how many more
- The difference between two amounts.
- subtract
- To take away and find how many are left.
- number story
- A little story that asks a maths question.
Help your child at home
What to watch for
- Counting the taken-away objects as part of the answer.
- Help: After removing, cover the taken-away objects and count only what is left.
- The minus sign is the same as the plus sign.
- Help: Plus means add more, minus means take away. Show both signs side by side.
- Adding the numbers in the story instead of subtracting.
- Help: Ask 'Are we putting together or taking away?' If taking away, subtract.
- The group with more objects is always the one with bigger objects.
- Help: Count each group. The group with more objects has the bigger number.
Try this at home
- Show 6 cubes, cross out 2, count the cubes left: 4
- Show 5 counters, remove 2, write 5 − 2 = 3
- Story: 'Arjun had 5 balls. He lost 2.' Show 5, cross out 2, count 3 left → 5 − 2 = 3
- Show 5 apples over 3 oranges, pair them one by one: 3 pairs, 2 apples have no partner → 2 more apples
Quick questions to ask aloud
- There are 5 apples. Take away 2. How many are left?
Show answer
Start with 5 apples. Take away 2. Count the rest: 1, 2, 3. So 3 are left. - Which sign means 'take away'? (− / + / =)
Show answer
Minus (−) means 'take away'. Plus (+) means 'add'. Equals (=) means 'is'. - Riya had 6 toffees. She gave 2 to her friend. How many are left?
Show answer
Start with 6 toffees. Take away 2. Count the rest: 4. So 4 are left.
Frequently asked questions
What will my child learn in "Taking Away within 10" (Class 1 Maths)?
Your child will be able to: subtract numbers within 10 by taking away objects or pictures and telling how many are left.; read and write subtraction sentences using the minus and equals signs (e.g., 7 − 3 = 4).; solve simple subtraction word problems within 10 by acting out or drawing the story.; find how many more one group has than another by matching and counting the extra.; subtract zero from a number and state that the number stays the same..
How does MangoMindz teach "Taking Away within 10"?
In 5 short parts (Taking Away Objects, The Minus Sign, Number Stories, How Many More?, Subtracting Zero). Each part has a picture-based lesson read aloud by Mango Teacher, a quick check, and a quiz built from common mistakes children make, with Mango, a study buddy, for questions.
How long does "Taking Away within 10" take?
About 120 minutes in total, spread over 5 parts of 15–25 minutes each.
How can I help my child with "Taking Away within 10" at home?
Work through a small example together, such as: Show 6 cubes, cross out 2, count the cubes left: 4; Show 5 counters, remove 2, write 5 − 2 = 3. Then ask a quick question aloud: There are 5 apples. Take away 2. How many are left?
What mistakes do children often make in "Taking Away within 10"?
Counting the taken-away objects as part of the answer. Fix: After removing, cover the taken-away objects and count only what is left. The minus sign is the same as the plus sign. Fix: Plus means add more, minus means take away. Show both signs side by side. Adding the numbers in the story instead of subtracting. Fix: Ask 'Are we putting together or taking away?' If taking away, subtract.
Is "Taking Away within 10" free on MangoMindz?
Yes. Every lesson part and quiz in "Taking Away within 10" is free on MangoMindz, with no ads.