โจ Subtraction Tricks and Shortcuts
๐ข 1. Subtract Using Complements of 10
Use pairs that make 10 to subtract quickly.
๐ฉ Example:
13 โ 6
Think: 6 + 4 = 10 โ So, 13 โ 6 = 7
๐ง 2. Break the Number
Break numbers into easier parts (called โdecompositionโ).
๐ฉ Example:
18 โ 9
Break 18 into 10 + 8
โ 10 โ 9 = 1, then 1 + 8 = 9
๐งฎ 3. Subtract in Steps
Subtract in parts for quick mental math.
๐ฉ Example:
46 โ 18
Step 1: 46 โ 10 = 36
Step 2: 36 โ 8 = 28
๐ก 4. Round and Adjust
Round the number, subtract, then fix the difference.
๐ฉ Example:
52 โ 29
Think: 52 โ 30 = 22 โ Now add back 1 = 23
โ 5. Use Number Lines (For Small Numbers)
Helps visualize subtraction as โmoving backwardsโ.
๐ฉ Example:
9 โ 4 โ Start at 9, count 4 steps back = 5
๐ฏ Quick Tip Rhymes:
“More on top? No need to stop.
More on the floor? Go next door!”
“Subtract the bottom from the top, unless you need to borrow!”