Subtracting Zero: Nothing is Something!

Math Grades 1st Grade 4:41 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how easy it is to subtract zero from any number! When you take away nothing, the number stays the same. Get ready to practice and become a subtraction superstar!

Video Resource

Grade 1: Math Lesson #62a Subtracting Zero

The Eagle's Nest - Our Online Classroom

Duration: 4:41
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Subtraction
  • Zero
  • Number Identity (Subtracting zero does not change the number)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to subtract zero from numbers 1-10.
  • Students will understand that subtracting zero from a number results in the same number.
  • Students will be able to complete subtraction equations involving zero.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what happens when you take nothing away from a group of objects. Lead into the idea of subtracting zero.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Watch the YouTube video 'Grade 1: Math Lesson #62a Subtracting Zero'. Encourage students to pay attention to how Mrs. Lawson explains subtracting zero and the examples she provides.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through subtraction problems with the students, using manipulatives (like gems or counters, as shown in the video) to demonstrate the concept. Start with numbers 1-10 and subtract zero.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet or math problems to solve independently. These should focus on subtracting zero from numbers 1-10.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concept that subtracting zero doesn't change the number. Ask students to share what they learned.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Subtraction
    Use a number line to show subtracting zero. Start at a number (e.g., 6) and move zero spaces. Where do you end up?
  • Object Subtraction
    Give each student a small group of objects (e.g., blocks). Have them subtract zero from the group. Ask them how many they have left.

Discussion Questions

  • What happens when you have 5 toys and you don't give any away? How many do you have left?
  • Why does subtracting zero not change the number?
  • Can you think of a time when subtracting zero might be helpful?

Skills Developed

  • Subtraction Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Number Sense

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is 3 - 0?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 2:

What is 7 take away 0?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 3:

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

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

What is 9 minus 0?

Correct Answer: 9

Question 5:

What is 1 - 0?

Correct Answer: 1

Question 6:

8 - 0 = ?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 7:

If you have 4 pencils and you lose 0 pencils, how many pencils do you have now?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 8:

What is 6 minus zero?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 9:

2 - 0 = ?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 10:

What does subtracting zero from a number do?

Correct Answer: It stays the same

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

5 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 2:

10 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 10

Question 3:

8 - ______ = 8

Correct Answer: 0

Question 4:

4 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 4

Question 5:

______ - 0 = 2

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

6 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 6

Question 7:

1 - ______ = 1

Correct Answer: 0

Question 8:

7 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 7

Question 9:

______ - 0 = 9

Correct Answer: 9

Question 10:

3 - 0 = ______

Correct Answer: 3

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.D.7:Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2.

Teaching Materials

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