Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice!
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Introduction
- What Is Subtraction Using Compensation?
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Example
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Guided Practice
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Application
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Summary
- Subtraction Using Compensation – Frequently Asked Questions

Basics on the topic Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice!
Subtraction Using Compensation – Introduction
Get a piece of paper and a pencil ready because today we're going to practice something called subtraction using compensation. It’s a cool trick that makes subtracting numbers easier and faster. Ready to begin? Let's go!
What Is Subtraction Using Compensation?
Subtraction using compensation means adjusting one number to make the math easier, and then doing the same adjustment to the other number.
For example, if you add one to a number to make it easier, you also add one to the other number to keep the balance. You will see that using number pairs to 10 will prove to be very helpful here! Let’s practice this with some fun problems!
Subtraction Using Compensation – Example
Let's solve a problem using subtraction with compensation:
Problem
If Imani wants to subtract 15 screws from 32, how many will be left over?
Solution
Follow these simple steps to find the solution.
Step | Explanation | Result |
---|---|---|
Choose which number to make friendlier | Let's make 15 friendlier | |
Add to the friendlier number | Add 5 to 15 | 15 + 5 = 20 |
Adjust the other number | Also add 5 to 32 to keep the balance | 32 + 5 = 37 |
Subtract the new numbers | Subtract 20 from 37 | 37 - 20 = 17 |
So, Imani has 17 screws left!
Subtraction Using Compensation – Guided Practice
Let's try another problem together.
Problem
If Mr. Squeaks wants to subtract 18 seeds from 35, how many will he have left over?
So, Mr. Squeaks has 17 seeds left!
Subtraction Using Compensation – Application
Now, try solving this problem on your own:
Problem If Imani wants to subtract 14 bolts from 36, how many will be left over?
So, Imani has 22 bolts left!
Subtraction Using Compensation – Examples
To be truly fluent in subtraction using compensation, have a look at some more examples and complete them by following the steps.
Problem | Step 1: Make a Number Friendlier | Step 2: Adjust the Other Number | Step 3: Subtract the New Numbers | Solution |
---|---|---|---|---|
22 - 15 | Add 5 to 15 to make it 20 | Add 5 to 22 to make it 27 | 27 - 20 | 7 |
35 - 18 | Add 2 to 18 to make it 20 | Add 2 to 35 to make it 37 | 37 - 20 | 17 |
36 - 14 | Add 6 to 14 to make it 20 | Add 6 to 36 to make it 42 | 42 - 20 | 22 |
63 - 21 | Add 9 to 21 to make it 30 | Add 9 to 63 to make it 72 | 72 - 30 | 42 |
Subtraction Using Compensation – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Subtraction using compensation makes subtracting numbers easier and faster.
- Adjust one number to make it friendlier, and do the same adjustment to the other number.
- Always remember to balance your adjustments.
Keep practicing subtraction using compensation to become a math whiz! Check out more fun math problems and activities on our website, especially try out using compensation in addition.
Subtraction Using Compensation – Frequently Asked Questions
Transcript Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice!
Razzi says get these items ready (...) Because today we're going to practice... Subtraction using compensation. It's time to begin! Remember that compensation is something given in return for something. In math we use this with numbers. If Imani wants to subtract twelve screws from twenty-two, how many will be left over? Start by choosing which number to make friendlier. Next, solve using mental math, or your pencil and paper. Did you also get ten? Let's tackle the next problem! If Mr. Squeaks wants to subtract eighteen seeds from thirty-five, how many will he have left over? Start by choosing which number to make friendlier. Next, solve using mental math, or your pencil and paper. Did you also get seventeen? Let's tackle the next problem! If Imani wants to subtract fourteen bolts from the thirty-six, how many will be left over? Start by choosing which number to make friendlier. Next, solve using mental math, or your pencil and paper. Did you also get twenty-two ? Let's tackle the final problem! If Mr. Squeaks wants to subtract twenty-one flowers from the sixty-three, how many will he have left over? Start by choosing which number to make friendlier. Next, solve using mental math, or your pencil and paper. Did you also get forty-two? Razzi had so much fun practicing with you today! See you next time!
Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice! exercise
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Why does Razzi suggest making one of the numbers "friendlier" before subtracting?
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What would be the result after subtraction using compensation?
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How many cookies will Mr. Squeaks have after each subtraction?
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Solve the problem.
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Solve the subtraction using compensation.
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Can you solve the subtraction using compensation?