NCERT Solutions for Class 1 Maths Chapter 5: How Many? – Free PDF Download

Chapter 5 of Class 1 Joyful Mathematics, How Many?, builds on counting to gently introduce addition (combining and finding a total) and subtraction (taking away), using real-life objects and simple number sentences like 3 + 2 = 5.

Last Updated: August 29, 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 1 Maths Chapter 5: How Many?

What this chapter teaches.
Addition as combining two groups and counting the total; subtraction as taking some objects away and counting what remains; reading and completing simple number sentences (e.g. 3 + 2 = ___); and counting using fingers, beads, or toys.

Activity 1 — Combine and Count (Addition).
The book shows two small groups of objects and asks children to count the combined total. For example, 4 balloons and 3 more balloons together make 7. Use real small objects at home to model this the same way.

Activity 2 — Take Away and Count (Subtraction).
Children start with a group of objects, remove some, and count what is left. For example, starting with 6 toys and taking away 2 leaves 4.

Activity 3 — Dice and Hopping Games.
The book includes games like rolling a dice and moving that many steps on a number strip, or hopping that many times — these build number sense and counting fluency through movement rather than worksheets.

Activity 4 — Number Sentences.
Children fill in blanks in simple sentences such as 3 + 2 = ___ or 5 – 1 = ___, connecting the concrete counting activities to written mathematical notation for the first time.

Why This Chapter Matters

This is the first chapter where children see formal addition (+) and subtraction (-) number sentences, building directly on the counting skills from Mango Treat and Making 10.

How to Use These Solutions

Practise both combining and taking away with real objects before moving to the written number sentences. Download the full chapter from our Class 1 Maths NCERT book page, or browse the Class 1 hub.

More on This Chapter

See also the Extra Questions and Revision Notes for this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the first time addition and subtraction signs (+ and -) appear?
Yes — earlier chapters introduce combining/taking away informally through objects; this chapter connects that to the written + and – symbols.

What number range does this chapter mostly use?
Small numbers, generally within 10, building on the counting range from earlier chapters.

Written by Satish

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