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Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice!

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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

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learned? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Subtraction Using Compensation — Let's Practice!.