First, then, now (subtraction)

First, then, now subtraction stories

You can think of a number sentence a bit like a little story.

You can use first, then, now to subtract numbers and understand their connection to each other.

Let's look at an example.

What happened 'first'?

'First' there were 3 blocks.

'Then' what happened?

'Then' you take 1 away.

How many are there 'now'?

'Now' there are 2 blocks left.

You can write this as a number sentence like this:

3 - 1 = 2

Activity: How to use first, then, now for subtraction

Complete this activity to see how much you know about this topic already. Then work through the page and see if you can beat your score.

First, then, now

You can use 'first, then, now' to help understand subtraction calculations.

'First' tells you how many objects there are to begin with.

'Then' tells you how many are taken away.

'Now' tells you how many are left.

• 'First' there were 9 cats.
• 'Then' 3 ran away.
• 'Now' there are 6 cats left.

You can write your 'first, then, now' story as a number sentence. Like this:

9 - 3 = 6

Example 1