Subtract 5: Subtraction Facts
| 6 − 5 = 1 (matching addition: 5 + 1 = 6) |
| 7 − 5 = 2 (matching addition: 5 + 2 = 7) |
| 8 − 5 = 3 (matching addition: 5 + 3 = 8) |
| 9 − 5 = 4 (matching addition: 5 + 4 = 9) |
| 10 − 5 = 5 (matching addition: 5 + 5 = 10) |
| 11 − 5 = 6 (matching addition: 5 + 6 = 11) |
| 12 − 5 = 7 (matching addition: 5 + 7 = 12) |
| 13 − 5 = 8 (matching addition: 5 + 8 = 13) |
| 14 − 5 = 9 (matching addition: 5 + 9 = 14) |
| 15 − 5 = 10 (matching addition: 5 + 10 = 15) |
| 16 − 5 = 11 (matching addition: 5 + 11 = 16) |
| 17 − 5 = 12 (matching addition: 5 + 12 = 17) |
Zoorithmetic https://zoorithmetic.com/
Subtract 5 takes away a full hand, so a child can picture the fingers and see what is left.
The pattern in the answers
Taking away 5 moves the ones digit by five: 13 - 5 gives an answer ending in 8, and 14 - 5 gives an answer ending in 9.
Tip for the subtract 5 facts
Take a whole hand away: 9 - 5 leaves the four fingers of the other hand. For 14 - 5, take 4 to reach 10, then 1 more to get 9.
The 3 hardest facts
- 12 − 5 = 7 (matching addition: 5 + 7 = 12)
- 13 − 5 = 8 (matching addition: 5 + 8 = 13)
- 14 − 5 = 9 (matching addition: 5 + 9 = 14)
These start in the teens and run past the fingers. Go back to 10 first, then take the rest: 13 - 3 = 10, then 2 more makes 8.
Check with addition
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact turned around. Add the answer back to 5 to get the number you started with.
- 1 + 5 = 6, so 6 − 5 = 1
- 2 + 5 = 7, so 7 − 5 = 2
- 3 + 5 = 8, so 8 − 5 = 3
- 4 + 5 = 9, so 9 − 5 = 4
- 5 + 5 = 10, so 10 − 5 = 5
- 6 + 5 = 11, so 11 − 5 = 6
- 7 + 5 = 12, so 12 − 5 = 7
- 8 + 5 = 13, so 13 − 5 = 8
- 9 + 5 = 14, so 14 − 5 = 9
- 10 + 5 = 15, so 15 − 5 = 10
- 11 + 5 = 16, so 16 − 5 = 11
- 12 + 5 = 17, so 17 − 5 = 12
Play the subtract 5 facts game
Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.
Printable subtract 5 chart
One US Letter page, clear in black and white.
Quick quiz: subtract 5 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
How does the hand model help?
Five fingers are one hand, so taking five away is taking away a whole hand. The picture matches the number and reduces counting.
Is subtract 5 related to subtract 10?
Yes. Subtracting 5 is half of subtracting 10, so two subtract 5 steps equal one subtract 10 step.