Free printable practice
Adding Doubles Minus 1 Practice Activities
Class 1 addition worksheets that help children use known doubles facts to solve near-doubles sums such as 6 + 5 and 8 + 7.
Practice that builds confidence
What children learn
These Class 1 maths worksheets help children practise the near-doubles strategy called adding doubles minus 1. Children learn to spot addition facts where one addend is just 1 less than the other, such as 5 + 4 or 9 + 8.
The printable activities include carefully sequenced sums, visual support, and practice formats that encourage children to think, “I know the double, so I can take away 1.” This builds speed and confidence without relying only on counting forward.
Adding doubles minus 1 is a mental addition strategy for pairs of numbers that are next to each other. If a child knows 7 + 7 = 14, then 7 + 6 can be solved as 14 - 1 = 13. The worksheets focus on recognising this relationship and applying it to addition facts in a Class 1-friendly way.
How the skill progresses
Children first notice doubles such as 2 + 2, 4 + 4, and 8 + 8. They then compare a near-double, for example 4 + 3, with the related double 4 + 4. Activities may show number pairs, missing answers, or simple visual groups so children can connect the numbers before writing the sum. The aim is not memorising a trick, but understanding why the answer is one less than the double.
A simple parent routine
At home, choose one known double each day. Ask, “What is 6 + 6?” Then ask, “So what is 6 + 5?” Let your child explain that 5 is one less than 6. Use small objects like buttons, rajma beans, or crayons if needed: make two equal groups, remove one from one group, and count the new total. Keep the talk short and focused on the pattern.
Classroom uses for teachers
Teachers can use these pages after introducing doubles facts or during addition practice. They work well for maths centres, morning work, quick revision, or small-group support. Ask pupils to circle the related double before solving, or to say the double fact aloud with a partner. This helps children move from visual counting to mental calculation.
Common errors to watch for
Some children double the smaller number instead of the larger one, so 8 + 7 may become 7 + 7 = 14 instead of 8 + 8 - 1 = 15. Others subtract 1 from each addend rather than from the final double. Encourage them to say the full strategy: “Double the bigger number, then minus 1.”
Free printable PDF download
Use this adding doubles minus 1 worksheets class 1 page to preview the activity, print it, or download it as a PDF for quick practice. It works well for homework, homeschool lessons, tutoring, morning work, revision, and classroom centers.
Answers and answer key support
After the child completes the worksheet independently, parents and teachers can use the answer support or answer key information to check the work, review mistakes, and choose the next practice step.
Why iBloom worksheets help
iBloom worksheets give children repeated, focused practice with one clear addition idea at a time. The layouts are uncluttered, the sums are age-appropriate for Class 1, and the activities support both written answers and spoken reasoning. A helpful child-friendly strategy is: Find the bigger number, double it, then take away 1.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
What does adding doubles minus 1 mean?
It means using a known double to solve a near-double sum. For example, for 6 + 5, a child can think 6 + 6 = 12, then take away 1 to get 11.
Is this skill suitable for Class 1 children?
Yes. It is suitable once children have started learning basic doubles and can compare numbers that differ by 1, such as 4 and 3 or 8 and 7.
Should children memorise all near-doubles facts?
Memorisation can come later. At this stage, children should understand the relationship between the double and the near-double so they can explain their thinking.
How can I help if my child keeps counting every number?
Use objects to show two equal groups, then remove one object from one group. Say the related double aloud first, then guide your child to subtract 1 from the double.
What is a common mistake in doubles minus 1 sums?
A common mistake is doubling the smaller number. For 9 + 8, children should use 9 + 9 = 18 and subtract 1, not start with 8 + 8.
Is this adding doubles minus 1 worksheets class 1 free?
Yes. You can preview it for free and use the printable worksheet for home or classroom practice.
Can I download this adding doubles minus 1 worksheets class 1 as a PDF?
Yes. Use the worksheet download option to save a printable PDF, or print the worksheet directly from the page.
Does this adding doubles minus 1 worksheets class 1 include answers or an answer key?
When the activity has fixed answers, iBloom includes answer support so parents and teachers can check the completed worksheet.