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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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