Subtraction Within 10 Using Pictures

What to do

In this activity, you begin with a small group of pictured objects and take away the ones that are crossed out. The subtraction answer is the number of objects left.

Step-by-step method

1. Count the starting objects. Look at all the pictures before crossing anything out.
2. Remove the requested objects. Cross out the objects you are told to take away.
3. Count what remains. Count only the uncrossed pictures.
4. Write the subtraction result. The number left is the answer.

How to think about it

Subtraction means “take away” or “how many are left.” Using pictures helps you see the change clearly. If there are 7 pictures and 2 are crossed out, count the 5 remaining objects to find the answer.

Check your work

Make sure the total makes sense: starting number minus crossed-out number should match the remaining pictures. You can also recount the pictures in two groups: removed and left. Together, they should make the original group.