Basic Subtraction Fact Worksheets to 20

First-graders can hone math skills with these printables

Math student
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Subtraction is a key skill to learn for young students. But, it can be a challenging skill to master. Some children will require manipulatives such as number lines, counters, small blocks, pennies, or even candy such as gummies or M&Ms. Regardless of the manipulatives they might use, young students will need lots of practice to master any math skill. Use the following free printables, which provide subtraction problems up to the number 20, to help students get the practice they need.

01
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Worksheet No. 1

Worksheet # 1
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 1

In this printable, students will learn basic math facts answering questions using numbers up to 20. Students can work the problems on the paper and write the answers just below each problem. Note that some of these problems do require borrowing, so be sure to review that skill before handing out the worksheets.

02
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Worksheet No. 2

Worksheet # 2
D.Russell

Print PDF: Worksheet No. 2

This printable gives students further practice solving subtraction problems using numbers up to 20. Students can work the problems on the paper and write the answers just below each problem. If students are struggling, use various manipulatives—pennies, small blocks, or even small pieces of candy.

03
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Worksheet No. 3

Worksheet No. 3
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 3

In this printable, students continue to answer subtraction questions using numbers up to 20 and noting their answers just below each problem. Take the opportunity, here, to go over a few of the problems on the board together with the entire class. Explain that borrowing and carrying in math are known as regrouping

04
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Worksheet No. 4

Worksheet # 4
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 4

In this printable, students continue to work basic subtraction problems and fill in their answers below each problem. Consider using pennies to teach the concept. Give each student 20 pennies; have them count out the number of pennies listed in the "minuend," the top number in a subtraction problem. Then, have them count out the number of pennies listed in the "subtrahend," the bottom number in a subtraction problem. This is a quick way to help students learn by counting real objects.

05
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Worksheet No. 5

Worksheet # 5
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 5

Using this worksheet, teach subtraction skills by using gross-motor learning, where students actually stand up and walk around to learn the concept. If your class is large enough, have students stand at their desks. Count the number of students in the minuend, and have them come to the front of the room, such as "14." Then, count the number of students in the subtrahend—"6" in the case of one of the problems on the worksheet—and have them sit down. This provides a good visual way to show students that the answer to this subtraction problem would be eight.

06
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Worksheet No. 6

Worksheet # 6
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 6

Before students begin to work the subtraction problems on this printable, explain to them that you'll give them one minute in which to work the problems. Offer a small prize to the student who gets the most answers correct within the timeframe. Then, start your stopwatch and let the student loose on the problems. Competition and deadlines can be good motivational tools for learning.

07
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Worksheet No. 7

Worksheet # 7
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 7

To complete this worksheet, have students work independently. Give them a set time—perhaps five or 10 minutes—to complete the worksheet. Collect the worksheets, and when the students have gone home correct them. Use this kind of formative assessment to see how well students are mastering the concept, and adjust your strategies for teaching subtraction if needed.

08
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Worksheet No. 8

Worksheet # 8
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No 8

In this printable, students will continue to learn basic math facts answering questions using numbers up to 20. Since the students have been practicing the skill for a while, use this and the subsequent worksheets as time-fillers. If students complete some other math work early, give them this worksheet to see how they perform.

09
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Worksheet No. 9

Worksheet # 9
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 9

Consider assigning this printable as homework. Practicing basic math skills, such as subtraction and addition, is a good way for young students to master the concept. Tell students to use manipulative they might have at home, such as change, marbles, or small blocks, to help them complete the problems.

10
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Worksheet No. 10

Worksheet # 10
D.Russell

Print the PDF: Worksheet No. 10

As you wrap up your unit on subtracting numbers up to 20, have students complete this worksheet independently. Have students swap worksheets when they are done, and grade their neighbor's work as you post the answers on the board. This saves you hours of grading time after school. Collect the graded papers so you can see how well the students have mastered the concept.

Find more math practice for your first graders with these word problem worksheets.

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Russell, Deb. "Basic Subtraction Fact Worksheets to 20." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/basic-subtraction-fact-worksheets-to-20-2311925. Russell, Deb. (2020, August 27). Basic Subtraction Fact Worksheets to 20. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/basic-subtraction-fact-worksheets-to-20-2311925 Russell, Deb. "Basic Subtraction Fact Worksheets to 20." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/basic-subtraction-fact-worksheets-to-20-2311925 (accessed March 28, 2024).