Subtract 2: Subtraction Facts
| 3 − 2 = 1 (matching addition: 2 + 1 = 3) |
| 4 − 2 = 2 (matching addition: 2 + 2 = 4) |
| 5 − 2 = 3 (matching addition: 2 + 3 = 5) |
| 6 − 2 = 4 (matching addition: 2 + 4 = 6) |
| 7 − 2 = 5 (matching addition: 2 + 5 = 7) |
| 8 − 2 = 6 (matching addition: 2 + 6 = 8) |
| 9 − 2 = 7 (matching addition: 2 + 7 = 9) |
| 10 − 2 = 8 (matching addition: 2 + 8 = 10) |
| 11 − 2 = 9 (matching addition: 2 + 9 = 11) |
| 12 − 2 = 10 (matching addition: 2 + 10 = 12) |
| 13 − 2 = 11 (matching addition: 2 + 11 = 13) |
| 14 − 2 = 12 (matching addition: 2 + 12 = 14) |
Zoorithmetic https://zoorithmetic.com/
Subtract 2 is two steps back on the number line, and the first family where counting back twice beats counting from the start.
The pattern in the answers
The answers 1 to 12 match the second number in the matching addition fact, so 2 + 7 = 9 gives 9 - 2 = 7.
Tip for the subtract 2 facts
Count back two numbers: for 11 - 2, the two numbers before 11 are 10 and 9, so the answer is 9. Or take 1 away twice.
The 3 hardest facts
- 10 − 2 = 8 (matching addition: 2 + 8 = 10)
- 11 − 2 = 9 (matching addition: 2 + 9 = 11)
- 13 − 2 = 11 (matching addition: 2 + 11 = 13)
Counting back across ten, as in 11 - 2 and 13 - 2, is where slips happen. Picture a ten frame losing two dots.
Check with addition
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact turned around. Add the answer back to 2 to get the number you started with.
- 1 + 2 = 3, so 3 − 2 = 1
- 2 + 2 = 4, so 4 − 2 = 2
- 3 + 2 = 5, so 5 − 2 = 3
- 4 + 2 = 6, so 6 − 2 = 4
- 5 + 2 = 7, so 7 − 2 = 5
- 6 + 2 = 8, so 8 − 2 = 6
- 7 + 2 = 9, so 9 − 2 = 7
- 8 + 2 = 10, so 10 − 2 = 8
- 9 + 2 = 11, so 11 − 2 = 9
- 10 + 2 = 12, so 12 − 2 = 10
- 11 + 2 = 13, so 13 − 2 = 11
- 12 + 2 = 14, so 14 − 2 = 12
Play the subtract 2 facts game
Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.
Printable subtract 2 chart
One US Letter page, clear in black and white.
Quick quiz: subtract 2 facts
10 questions, no timer. At the end you see the score, the facts to practice and a sheet you can print.
Questions parents ask
Is counting back the only method?
No. Thinking addition also works: for 11 - 2, ask what plus 2 makes 11. The answer is 9.
How many facts are in subtract 2?
Twelve, from 3 - 2 = 1 to 14 - 2 = 12, each paired with an addition fact such as 2 + 12 = 14.