Subtraction with Base Ten Blocks

Numbers & Operations in Base Ten

Grade 1Common Core 1.NBT.C.620 minutes

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how to use base ten blocks for subtraction
  • Subtract numbers using place value concepts
  • Learn about regrouping when borrowing is needed

Subtraction Using Place Value

Base ten blocks help us understand subtraction by visually representing the process of taking away. When we subtract numbers, we start with the larger number (minuend) and take away the smaller number (subtrahend).

Remember

In subtraction, we start with a larger number and take away or remove blocks to find the difference.

Subtraction Terms

TermDefinitionExample
MinuendThe number we start with (larger number)In 15 - 7 = 8, the minuend is 15
SubtrahendThe number we take awayIn 15 - 7 = 8, the subtrahend is 7
DifferenceThe answer or resultIn 15 - 7 = 8, the difference is 8