SAME DIFFERENCE STRATEGY

Shift both numbers by the same amount to make subtraction painless.

L4L5

CS.N.3.2·Using calculation techniques with numbers 0–10000(III)CS.N.4.2·Performing calculations with large natural numbers(IV)

Section 1 / 3

THE SAME DIFFERENCE SECRET

Here is a powerful secret: if you add (or subtract) the same amount to both numbers in a subtraction, the difference stays the same! 82 - 37 is the same as 85 - 40 = 45.

82 − 37

1Add 3 to both numbers

285 − 40 = 45

3The difference stays the same!

= 45

LEADER TIP

Use a balance scale metaphor: add the same weight to both sides and the scale stays balanced. Same idea here!

BEFORE THIS LESSON, TRY

Subtraction Compensation

PRACTICE WITH THESE GAMES

Number Balance

Fast Subtraction

Expression Compare

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SAME DIFFERENCE STRATEGY

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SAME DIFFERENCE STRATEGY