12 − 9 looks hard. Counting back nine times is slow and easy to muddle.
Step 1: Let's Learn
Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.
Split the teen number
12 is 10 and 2. Take the 9 from the ten, not from the whole thing.
Tens
1
Ones
2
1 ten and 2 ones is 12. Say it as "ten two".
Number
10 − 9 = 1. Then put the 2 ones back: 1 + 2 = 3.
Why take from the ten
Subtracting from ten is a fact you already know cold. Breaking 15 into 10 and 5 lets you use that fact instead of counting back.
The two steps
Take from the ten, then add back the leftover ones. For 15 − 8: ten take eight is two, then two and five is seven.
Step 2: Try It Yourself
Tap and try it out.
Tens
1
Ones
3
1 ten and 3 ones is 13. Say it as "ten three".
Step 3: Watch an Example
One step at a time.
Watch Mia Take From Ten
Mia works out 13 − 8.
- Step 1
She splits 13 into 10 and 3.
Step 4: Your Turn
Practice makes it stick.
Cupcakes
Problem 1 of 1
There were 14 cupcakes. 9 were eaten. How many are left?
cupcakes
Take From the Ten
Split the teen number first.
1 of 3
12 − 9 = ?
2 of 3
15 − 8 = ?
3 of 3
11 − 7 = ?
Step 5: Quick Check
Show what you know.
Question 1 of 2
13 − 9 = ?
Question 2 of 2
16 − 8 = ?
What You Learned
- Split the teen number into 10 and some ones.
- Take away from the ten.
- Then add the ones back on.