Mental Subtraction Strategies
Name: _______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Strategy 1: Compensation (Adding to Make it Easier)
Add the same amount to both numbers to make an easier subtraction.
Example: 82 − 39 = ? → Think: 83 − 40 = 43
1. 74 − 29 =
_____________
2. 156 − 48 =
_____________
3. 93 − 57 =
_____________
4. 215 − 89 =
_____________
Strategy 2: Partitioning (Breaking Apart the Number)
Break the number you're subtracting into parts (tens and ones).
Example: 85 − 34 = ? → Think: 85 − 30 = 55, then 55 − 4 = 51
5. 67 − 23 =
_____________
6. 142 − 56 =
_____________
7. 98 − 45 =
_____________
8. 184 − 72 =
_____________
Strategy 3: Your Choice!
Choose the best mental strategy for each problem.
9. 125 − 68 =
_____________
10. 91 − 38 =
_____________
11. 176 − 54 =
_____________
12. 104 − 79 =
_____________
13. 230 − 95 =
_____________
14. 87 − 42 =
_____________
Challenge Problems 🧠
15. 512 − 298 =
_____________
16. 405 − 187 =
_____________