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SUBTRACTION COMPENSATION

Round the number you subtract, then adjust - the fastest mental subtraction trick.

L3L4

CS.N.3.2·Using calculation techniques with numbers 0–10000(III)

Section 1 / 3

ROUND AND ADJUST

Subtraction compensation is the same clever trick as addition compensation. Round the number you are subtracting up to a ten or hundred, subtract that easier number, then add back the extra.

83 − 29

1Round 29 up to 30

283 − 30 = 53

3Add back 1: 53 + 1 = 54

= 54

LEADER TIP

This is the single most useful mental subtraction strategy. Practice with 'near-hundred' numbers (98, 99, 197) first.

BEFORE THIS LESSON, TRY

🔄Think Addition

PRACTICE WITH THESE GAMES

🏃Fast Subtraction 🔢Quick Calculate ⚡Math Sprint

Want more practice? Generate printable worksheets with similar problems.

Go to Worksheets

CONTINUE WITH:

🤝Friendly Number Subtraction 🔄Same Difference Strategy

SUBTRACTION COMPENSATION

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