Mental Subtraction

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• What is the answer to 4 minus 2?

If you said 2, then you are correct!

• How did you find the difference?
• Did you work out 4 minus 2 on a piece of paper?
• Did you count on your fingers, or did you figure it out in your head?

When you solve a math problem in your head without help from calculators, computers, or pencil and paper, you are doing mental math.

The problem of 4 minus 2 can be quickly solved using just your brain.

• But what about 52 minus 34?

There are many different strategies to help you subtract two numbers with metal math.

You can subtract parts using the tens and ones place value.

Think:

52 – 30 – 4 = 18

You can add backwards.

Think:

34 + _____ = 52

You can round the number, then correct the answer.

Think:

52 - 30 = 22

22 – 4 = 18

Review more tips and tricks to subtract numbers at Mental Subtraction Strategies (homeschoolmath.net). Read the strategies and examples and try the practice problems.

• What are some of the tricks you learned?

Share them with your parent or teacher. Discuss how you can subtract in parts, use subtraction facts, and add up to find the difference.

Next, go to the Got It? section to practice mental subtraction!