Grade 1 Math · Subtraction Within 20

Grade 1 Subtraction Within 20 Practice Test

Build subtraction fluency with five 10-question practice tests covering counting back, missing numbers, differences, and simple word problems.

Subtraction Within 20 Practice Tests

These Grade 1 math practice tests help students subtract within 20 using counting back, related addition facts, breaking apart numbers, missing-number equations, and simple story problems. Each mini test contains 10 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations.

Skills covered

  • Subtracting numbers within 10 and within 20
  • Counting back and finding differences
  • Using related addition facts to solve subtraction
  • Finding missing numbers in subtraction equations
  • Solving take-away and comparison word problems

How to use these practice tests

Complete one 10-question test at a time. Encourage students to draw counters, use a number line, or connect subtraction to an addition fact when a difference is difficult. Open the solution after answering, then explain the strategy before moving to the next test.

For more Grade 1 math practice, return to the Grade 1 Math category.

3. Test

Grade 1 Subtraction Within 20 Practice Tests

A 10-question Grade 1 practice test on subtraction within 20, with answers and explanations.

Choose one answer for each question. Open the solution after answering to see the correct answer and explanation.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

What number makes 10 - ? = 4 true?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 6.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 10 take away 6 equals 4.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 6.

10 take away 6 equals 4.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What number makes ? - 5 = 8 true?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 13.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 13 take away 5 equals 8.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 13.

13 take away 5 equals 8.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Which equation is true?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is 14 - 6 = 8.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 14 take away 6 is 8, so this equation is true.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 14 - 6 = 8.

14 take away 6 is 8, so this equation is true.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

Which number belongs in 20−?=1220 - ? = 12?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is 8.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 20 take away 8 equals 12.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 8.

20 take away 8 equals 12.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

Which equation is another way to show 13 - 5?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 13 - 3 - 2.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: Break 5 into 3 and 2. Taking away 3 and then 2 is still taking away 5, leaving 8.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 13 - 3 - 2.

Break 5 into 3 and 2. Taking away 3 and then 2 is still taking away 5, leaving 8.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the missing number? 17 = 10 + 7, so 17 - 10 = ?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 7.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: The part left after taking away 10 from 17 is 7.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 7.

The part left after taking away 10 from 17 is 7.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

Which expression has the same difference as 12 - 4?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is 13 - 5.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: Both 12 - 4 and 13 - 5 equal 8.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 13 - 5.

Both 12 - 4 and 13 - 5 equal 8.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What is '11 - 8'?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is 3.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: Count back 8 from 11 to reach 3.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 3.

Count back 8 from 11 to reach 3.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

What number makes ? - 9 = 6 true?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 15.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 15 take away 9 equals 6.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 15.

15 take away 9 equals 6.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

What is '20 - 7'?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 13.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 20 take away 7 leaves 13.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 13.

20 take away 7 leaves 13.

Frequently asked questions about Grade 1 subtraction within 20

What does subtraction within 20 mean?

It means finding the difference when one number is taken away from another, with the starting number no greater than 20. Students practice facts such as 14 - 6 and 19 - 9.

How many questions are in each practice test?

Each mini test contains 10 multiple-choice questions. The complete page includes five mini tests and 50 questions in total.

How can a student practice subtraction?

Use counters, drawings, or a number line to show the starting amount and the amount taken away. Students can also use a related addition fact to check the difference.