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Mental Subtraction Strategies
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Mental Subtraction Strategies
Use mental strategies to subtract. When both numbers end in zeroes, remove the same number of zeroes from each number, solve, then restore the place value. Show or explain your thinking where asked.
Make the Numbers Easier
1.Rewrite 6,300 − 2,800 by removing two zeroes from each number, then find the answer.
2.What is 8,400 − 3,600?
- 4,800
- 5,200
- 4,600
- 5,800
3.Calculate 7,200 − 2,500 by first solving 72 − 25. What is the difference?
4.Which subtraction calculations can be made simpler by removing the same number of zeroes from both numbers? Choose all that apply.
- 9,500 − 4,200
- 6,740 − 2,310
- 8,600 − 3,900
- 5,080 − 1,260
5.Match each subtraction calculation to its simplified calculation. Remove two zeroes from both numbers.
- 5,700 − 2,400
- 9,200 − 4,600
- 8,600 − 3,900
- 92 − 46
- 86 − 39
- 57 − 24
Subtraction in Context
6.A coding club has 6,800 digital badges to share. Members have claimed 2,700. How many badges are still available? Show a mental strategy.
7.Ruben’s coding club has 7,500 puzzle points to award. The team has already awarded 3,200 points. How many points are left to award?
Explain and Check
8.A number line starts at 0 and ends at 100. Mark 68, make a jump back of 27, and label where you land. What is 68 − 27?
9.In your own words, explain why removing two zeroes from both numbers in 8,300 − 4,600 keeps the subtraction fair. Include the answer to the calculation.
10.Challenge: Find 9,600 − 4,700. Write the smaller-number calculation you used and explain how you restored the place value.
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