SUBTRACTION COMPENSATION

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

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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

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Friendly Number Subtraction

Same Difference Strategy

SUBTRACTION COMPENSATION

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SUBTRACTION COMPENSATION