Mental Math: Subtraction Tricks
Let's learn smart ways to subtract in your head!
Strategy 1: Break Into Tens and Ones
Break big numbers into tens and ones. Subtract each part.
Example: 45 - 23
Strategy 2: Jump to a Round Number
Jump to the nearest ten first. Then subtract the rest.
Example: 52 - 7
52 - 2 = 50, then 50 - 5 = 45
Strategy 3: Count Up (Add Up)
Start at the smaller number. Count up to the bigger number.
Example: 63 - 58 = ?
2 + 3 = 5, so 63 - 58 = 5