Subtract 6: Subtraction Facts
| 7 − 6 = 1 (matching addition: 6 + 1 = 7) |
| 8 − 6 = 2 (matching addition: 6 + 2 = 8) |
| 9 − 6 = 3 (matching addition: 6 + 3 = 9) |
| 10 − 6 = 4 (matching addition: 6 + 4 = 10) |
| 11 − 6 = 5 (matching addition: 6 + 5 = 11) |
| 12 − 6 = 6 (matching addition: 6 + 6 = 12) |
| 13 − 6 = 7 (matching addition: 6 + 7 = 13) |
| 14 − 6 = 8 (matching addition: 6 + 8 = 14) |
| 15 − 6 = 9 (matching addition: 6 + 9 = 15) |
| 16 − 6 = 10 (matching addition: 6 + 10 = 16) |
| 17 − 6 = 11 (matching addition: 6 + 11 = 17) |
| 18 − 6 = 12 (matching addition: 6 + 12 = 18) |
Zoorithmetic https://zoorithmetic.com/
Subtract 6 is where the facts go past what most children can do with fingers, so a strategy becomes necessary.
The pattern in the answers
The answers 1 to 12 come from starting numbers 7 to 18, and 12 - 6 = 6 is the double whose answer repeats the number taken away.
Tip for the subtract 6 facts
Go back to ten first. For 14 - 6, 14 - 4 = 10, then 2 more makes 8. Or think 6 + 8 = 14.
The 3 hardest facts
- 13 − 6 = 7 (matching addition: 6 + 7 = 13)
- 14 − 6 = 8 (matching addition: 6 + 8 = 14)
- 15 − 6 = 9 (matching addition: 6 + 9 = 15)
These cross ten and are easy to mix up with subtract 5 and subtract 7 facts. Use the matching addition: 6 + 7 = 13.
Check with addition
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact turned around. Add the answer back to 6 to get the number you started with.
- 1 + 6 = 7, so 7 − 6 = 1
- 2 + 6 = 8, so 8 − 6 = 2
- 3 + 6 = 9, so 9 − 6 = 3
- 4 + 6 = 10, so 10 − 6 = 4
- 5 + 6 = 11, so 11 − 6 = 5
- 6 + 6 = 12, so 12 − 6 = 6
- 7 + 6 = 13, so 13 − 6 = 7
- 8 + 6 = 14, so 14 − 6 = 8
- 9 + 6 = 15, so 15 − 6 = 9
- 10 + 6 = 16, so 16 − 6 = 10
- 11 + 6 = 17, so 17 − 6 = 11
- 12 + 6 = 18, so 18 − 6 = 12
Play the subtract 6 facts game
Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.
Printable subtract 6 chart
One US Letter page, clear in black and white.
Quick quiz: subtract 6 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
Why is subtract 6 hard?
The starting numbers are in the teens and the jump is big enough to need a strategy, not just counting back. Teach a bridge through ten.
What is a doubles trick for subtract 6?
Use the double 6 + 6 = 12. Then 12 - 6 = 6, 13 - 6 is one more, 7, and 11 - 6 is one less, 5.