Subtracting Zero: Nothing Changes!

Math Grades 1st Grade 6:37 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how subtracting zero from any number always leaves the number unchanged. We'll use fun pictures and activities to understand this important math concept!

Video Resource

Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Subtracting Zero From a Number

KidsClassroom - Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs

Duration: 6:37
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Key Concepts

  • Subtraction
  • Zero as 'nothing'
  • Identity Property of Subtraction (though not formally named)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to subtract zero from a number within 10.
  • Students will understand that subtracting zero from a number does not change the number.
  • Students will be able to solve simple subtraction problems involving zero.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they know what happens when we take away nothing from a group of objects. Use a real-world example like, 'If you have 3 apples and eat 0 apples, how many do you have left?' Show the video 'Learn Grade 1 - Maths - Subtracting Zero From a Number'.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    After watching the video, review the examples shown (crows and apples). Ask students to provide their own examples of subtracting zero from different quantities. For instance, 'If you have 5 toys and give away 0 toys, how many toys do you have left?'
  • Interactive Activity: Drawing & Subtracting (15 mins)
    Have students draw a picture with a specific number of objects (e.g., 6 stars). Then, have them 'subtract' zero objects by drawing an 'X' on zero stars. Ask them how many stars are left. Repeat with different numbers and objects.
  • Worksheet Practice (10 mins)
    Distribute a worksheet with simple subtraction problems involving zero (e.g., 4 - 0 = ?, 7 - 0 = ?, 9 - 0 = ?). Have students solve the problems independently.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review the main concept: Subtracting zero from any number always results in the same number. Ask students to explain this concept in their own words.

Interactive Exercises

  • Object Subtraction
    Provide students with manipulatives (e.g., blocks, counters). Ask them to start with a specific number of objects and then subtract zero. Have them count the remaining objects to reinforce the concept.
  • Number Line Game
    Use a number line. Start on a number, like 5. Subtract 0. Where do you land? (Still on 5!). Repeat with different starting numbers.

Discussion Questions

  • What happens when you take away nothing from something?
  • Can you think of a time when you subtracted zero from something in real life?
  • Why does the number stay the same when we subtract zero?

Skills Developed

  • Subtraction
  • Problem-solving
  • Number sense
  • Critical Thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is 3 - 0?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 2:

If you have 5 cookies and you eat 0 cookies, how many cookies do you have left?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

What is 8 - 0?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 4:

What happens when you subtract zero from a number?

Correct Answer: It stays the same

Question 5:

What is 6 - 0?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 6:

If you have 9 pencils and lose 0 pencils, how many pencils do you have left?

Correct Answer: 9

Question 7:

What is 1 - 0?

Correct Answer: 1

Question 8:

What does 'subtracting zero' mean?

Correct Answer: Taking away nothing

Question 9:

What is 4 - 0?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 10:

If you have 7 balloons and none pop, how many balloons do you have left?

Correct Answer: 7

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

5 - 0 = _____

Correct Answer: 5

Question 2:

When you subtract zero, the number stays the _____

Correct Answer: same

Question 3:

2 - _____ = 2

Correct Answer: 0

Question 4:

10 - 0 = _____

Correct Answer: 10

Question 5:

Zero means _____.

Correct Answer: nothing

Question 6:

8 - _____ = 8

Correct Answer: 0

Question 7:

If you start with 6 and subtract 0, you have _____ left.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

9 - 0 = _____

Correct Answer: 9

Question 9:

Subtracting _____ doesn't change the number.

Correct Answer: zero

Question 10:

1 - 0 = _____

Correct Answer: 1

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.B.3:Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract. (Students need not use formal terms for these properties.) Examples: If 8 + 3 = 11 is known, then 3 + 8 = 11 is also known. (Commutative property of addition.) To add 2 + 6 + 4, the second two numbers can be added to make a ten, so 2 + 6 + 4 = 2 + 10 = 12. (Associative property of addition.) CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

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