Subtract 3: Subtraction Facts
| 4 − 3 = 1 (matching addition: 3 + 1 = 4) |
| 5 − 3 = 2 (matching addition: 3 + 2 = 5) |
| 6 − 3 = 3 (matching addition: 3 + 3 = 6) |
| 7 − 3 = 4 (matching addition: 3 + 4 = 7) |
| 8 − 3 = 5 (matching addition: 3 + 5 = 8) |
| 9 − 3 = 6 (matching addition: 3 + 6 = 9) |
| 10 − 3 = 7 (matching addition: 3 + 7 = 10) |
| 11 − 3 = 8 (matching addition: 3 + 8 = 11) |
| 12 − 3 = 9 (matching addition: 3 + 9 = 12) |
| 13 − 3 = 10 (matching addition: 3 + 10 = 13) |
| 14 − 3 = 11 (matching addition: 3 + 11 = 14) |
| 15 − 3 = 12 (matching addition: 3 + 12 = 15) |
Zoorithmetic https://zoorithmetic.com/
Subtract 3 asks children to take a small group off a number, which they can do by counting back three or by thinking of the sum.
The pattern in the answers
Each answer climbs by one as the starting number climbs by one, from 4 - 3 = 1 to 15 - 3 = 12.
Tip for the subtract 3 facts
Use the matching addition: for 12 - 3, ask what plus 3 makes 12. Since 3 + 9 = 12, the answer is 9.
The 3 hardest facts
- 11 − 3 = 8 (matching addition: 3 + 8 = 11)
- 12 − 3 = 9 (matching addition: 3 + 9 = 12)
- 13 − 3 = 10 (matching addition: 3 + 10 = 13)
These start from the teens and cross ten. Go to ten first and then take the rest: 12 - 2 = 10, then 1 more back makes 9.
Check with addition
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact turned around. Add the answer back to 3 to get the number you started with.
- 1 + 3 = 4, so 4 − 3 = 1
- 2 + 3 = 5, so 5 − 3 = 2
- 3 + 3 = 6, so 6 − 3 = 3
- 4 + 3 = 7, so 7 − 3 = 4
- 5 + 3 = 8, so 8 − 3 = 5
- 6 + 3 = 9, so 9 − 3 = 6
- 7 + 3 = 10, so 10 − 3 = 7
- 8 + 3 = 11, so 11 − 3 = 8
- 9 + 3 = 12, so 12 − 3 = 9
- 10 + 3 = 13, so 13 − 3 = 10
- 11 + 3 = 14, so 14 − 3 = 11
- 12 + 3 = 15, so 15 − 3 = 12
Play the subtract 3 facts game
Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.
Printable subtract 3 chart
One US Letter page, clear in black and white.
Quick quiz: subtract 3 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
What if my child counts back on fingers?
That is a good first step. Ask for the answer first and then check with fingers, so counting back becomes a check instead of the method.
Should I teach the 'think addition' method?
Yes. It turns a hard subtraction into a fact the child already knows, and it shows why the two operations belong together.