Addition & Subtraction Pairs
Work out each card, then match the addition to the subtraction that has the same answer — tap one card, then its match, and watch the pair link. Every round has two answers to find. Aligned to Common Core 1.OA.D.7 — understanding that addition and subtraction expressions can be equal.
Work out each card, then match the addition to the subtraction that has the same answer — tap one card, then its match, and watch the pair link. Every round has two answers to find. Aligned to Common Core 1.OA.D.7 — understanding that addition and subtraction expressions can be equal.
About this activity
Children work out cards like 2 + 3 and 9 − 4 (both 5), or 3 + 4 and 9 − 2 (both 7), then tap an addition and the subtraction with the same answer to link the pair. It's a free, interactive Grade 1 math activity that runs right in the browser, with nothing to install and no account.
The big idea is that an addition expression and a subtraction expression can be worth the same amount — the equal sign means "the same as," not "here comes the answer." The cards do not show their totals, so children must actually compute each one and then hunt for a different-looking expression with the matching value. Every round has two (sometimes three) values to find, mixing plus and minus facts together.
It is aligned to Common Core 1.OA.D.7 — understanding the meaning of the equal sign and deciding whether equations involving addition and subtraction are true. No timer, no score — just calm, playful practice.
What's inside this activity
- Designed for Grade 1 learners (ages about 6–7)
- Common Core strand: Operations & Algebraic Thinking
- Aligned to Common Core standard 1.OA.D.7
How to play
Work out each card — additions like 4 + 5 and subtractions like 10 − 1.
Tap an addition, then tap the subtraction with the same answer, and watch the pair link.
Find both equal pairs in the round — there is no timer and no score, so take your time.
What your child practices
- Work out the value of both addition and subtraction expressions
- Match a plus fact to a minus fact that has the same answer
- Understand the equal sign as meaning "the same amount as"
- Compare two different-looking expressions for equal value
Learning goals
Understand that addition and subtraction expressions can be equal — the focus of Common Core 1.OA.D.7
Read the equal sign as "the same as" rather than "the answer is next"
Build flexible fact fluency by linking plus and minus facts that share a value
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Addition & Subtraction Pairs activity teach?
- Addition & Subtraction Pairs is a free interactive activity for Grade 1, focused on Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Children play it right in the browser — no printing, login, or setup required.
- Is Addition & Subtraction Pairs free to use?
- Yes. Addition & Subtraction Pairs is completely free, with no signup and no paywall, on any tablet, laptop, or classroom whiteboard.
- Which ages is this activity for?
- It is designed for Grade 1 (Operations & Algebraic Thinking) and works well for whole-class, small-group, or independent practice.