Mental Subtraction Strategies

Name: _______________________________

Date: _______________________________

Instructions: Use mental strategies to solve these subtraction problems. Show your thinking in the space provided.

Part A: Counting Back Strategy

Use counting back for small differences. Show your steps.

1.

87 - 4 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

2.

145 - 6 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

3.

234 - 5 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

Part B: Compensation Strategy

Round one number to make it easier, then adjust your answer.

4.

83 - 29 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

5.

156 - 48 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

6.

217 - 99 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

Part C: Jump Strategy (Breaking Apart)

Break the number being subtracted into easier parts.

7.

125 - 37 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

8.

182 - 54 = __________

Strategy: _________________________________________________

Part D: Choose Your Own Strategy

Pick the best mental strategy for each problem.

9.

300 - 150 = __________

Strategy used: _____________________________________________

10.

421 - 198 = __________

Strategy used: _____________________________________________