Subtraction

Compensating: Changing a number to make it more friendly and compensating afterward

• Constant Difference:  Taking from or adding to both numbers to create a more friendly problem (making sure to keep a constant difference) 

• Adding Up (Finding the Difference): Starting with the smaller number (subtrahend) and adding parts of the larger number (minuend) one at a time until the entire value has been added 

• Decomposing: Breaking down the smaller number (subtrahend) and subtracting it from the larger number (minuend) in chunks

• Place Value: Subtracting based on like values 

• Traditional Algorithm 

Resources: 

6 Types of Subtraction Strategies 

*For subtraction fact resources, visit my Fact Fluency page. 

There  are many different tools and types of models that can be used to represent student thinking when it comes to subtraction including the following: 

• Objects such as counters

• Pictures

• Base 10 Blocks 

• 100s Chart 

• Ten Frames 

• Number Bonds

• Number Lines

• Bar Model 

Resources: 

Subtract 2-Digit Numbers Using Base 10 Blocks 

Subtract Using a Hundreds Chart

Open Number Line Subtraction

Using Bar Models for Subtraction