
How to Solve Single Digit Subtraction with Step by Step Examples
Do you know what subtraction means?
Subtraction means to take a number from another. Suppose Harry has 7 apples and he gave 3 to his friends. How many apples are left with Harry?
After giving 3 apples to his friend, Harry is left with 4 apples.
Remember, when we subtract something the number of things in a group decreases.
The symbol to represent subtraction is (-)
We can also write subtraction as:
7 - 3 = 4
What is 1 Digit Subtraction?
1 digit subtraction considers only one digit numbers (0-9). In subtracting with one digit, we subtract a single number from another single number. Suppose, you have 4 cookies and you ate 2 of them. How many cookies are left with you. You are left with 2 cookies as out of 4 cookies, you ate 2 cookies.
The Answer is 2.
Subtraction Terms
The two important terms used in the subtraction are minuend and subtrahend.
Minuend: It is the larger number from which the smaller number is subtracted.
Subtraction: It is the smaller number which is subtracted.
The resulting number is termed as “ Difference”
Do You Know?
When you subtract 0 from any number, you are left with the same number. Suppose you have 6 apples and you have not eaten any apples or given to anyone. How many apples are left with you?
You are left with 6 apples as you have not eaten any apple or given to anyone.
When you subtract a number from itself, you are left with 0. Suppose you have 6 ice creams and you have eaten all 6 ice creams or given all to your friend. How many ice creams are left with you?
You are left with 0 ice cream as either you yourself have eaten all 6 ice creams or given all to your friend.
Download Free Printable Single Digit Subtraction Worksheet For Kids
Here, we are providing a single digit subtraction worksheet for kids. This one digit subtraction worksheet is a perfect resource to teach kids about the single digit subtraction in which we consider only one digit numbers. The aim of this subtraction one digit worksheet is to help kids to practice on how to solve one digit subtraction.
Horizontal Subtraction 1 Digit Worksheet
Vertical Subtraction 1 Digit Worksheet
Subtraction 1 Digit Word Problems Worksheet
Amrita has 9 cone ice creams and she has given 3 to her friend. How many ice creams are left with her?
Solution: To find this 9 - 3, we will count the ice creams that are not crossed below.
There are 6 ice creams left with Amrita. If you take 6 from 9, you will be left with 3.
Amit has 5 footballs. 3 of his footballs are lost in the garden. How many footballs are left with him?
Solution: To find this 5 - 3, we will count the footballs that are not crossed below.
There are 2 footballs left with Amit. If you take 3 from 5, you will be left with 2.
There were 5 pigeons in the flence, 2 of them flew away. Count the number of pigeons left on the fence?
Solution: To find this 5 -2, we will count the pigeons that are not crossed below.
There are 3 pigeons left on the fence. If you take 2 from 5, you will be left with 3.
FAQs on Single Digit Subtraction for Beginners
1. What is single digit subtraction?
Single digit subtraction is the process of subtracting one number from another when both numbers are between 0 and 9. It means taking away a smaller single digit from a larger single digit to find the difference. For example:
- 7 − 3 = 4
- 9 − 5 = 4
2. How do you solve single digit subtraction step by step?
To solve single digit subtraction, subtract the smaller digit from the larger digit to find the difference. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Identify the two single digits.
- Step 2: Start counting backward from the first number.
- Step 3: Count back as many steps as the second number.
- Step 4: The number you land on is the difference.
3. What is the answer in subtraction called?
The answer in subtraction is called the difference. In a subtraction problem:
- The first number is the minuend.
- The number being subtracted is the subtrahend.
- The result is the difference.
4. Can you give an example of single digit subtraction?
An example of single digit subtraction is 6 − 1 = 5. Here is how it works:
- Start with 6.
- Take away 1.
- You are left with 5.
5. What happens when you subtract a number from itself?
When you subtract a number from itself, the result is always 0. This is because you are taking away the whole amount. For example:
- 3 − 3 = 0
- 8 − 8 = 0
6. What is the smallest possible answer in single digit subtraction?
The smallest possible answer in single digit subtraction (without negative numbers) is 0. This happens when both digits are the same. Example:
- 5 − 5 = 0
7. How can you check a single digit subtraction answer?
You can check a single digit subtraction answer by using addition. Add the difference to the subtrahend to see if you get the minuend. For example:
- Given 7 − 4 = 3
- Check: 3 + 4 = 7
8. What are some easy tricks to learn single digit subtraction?
Easy tricks for learning single digit subtraction include using counting back, number lines, and subtraction facts. Helpful methods:
- Use a number line to jump backward.
- Memorize basic subtraction facts (like 10 − 1 = 9).
- Use fingers or objects to visualize taking away.
9. What is the difference between addition and single digit subtraction?
The difference between addition and single digit subtraction is that addition combines numbers, while subtraction takes one number away from another. For example:
- Addition: 3 + 2 = 5 (putting together)
- Subtraction: 5 − 2 = 3 (taking away)
10. Why is single digit subtraction important in maths?
Single digit subtraction is important because it builds the foundation for multi-digit subtraction and other arithmetic operations. It helps learners:
- Understand the concept of taking away
- Develop strong number sense
- Prepare for advanced topics like column subtraction and word problems





















