Addition and subtraction within 20, step by step

Mixed addition and subtraction asks children to do one important thing before calculating: notice the operation sign.

The question

19 − 11

11=10+1
1910=9
91=8
  1. 19 − 11, across the line. Split only the 11 — the amount being taken away — and take it off in two goes.
  2. The tens first: 19 − 10 = 9.
  3. Then the ones off what is left: 9 − 1 = 8. Nothing had to borrow, because each go came off the whole number rather than off one place.

How it works.

  1. 01

    19 − 11, across the line. Split only the 11 — the amount being taken away — and take it off in two goes.

  2. 02

    The tens first: 19 − 10 = 9.

  3. 03

    Then the ones off what is left: 9 − 1 = 8. Nothing had to borrow, because each go came off the whole number rather than off one place.