Subtraction Practice

Tips for faster subtraction

Adjust ranges to practice borrowing and multi-digit subtraction.

• Use counting-up for tricky problems (e.g., 1000 - 647: count up 647->1000).
• Subtract in chunks: subtract hundreds, then tens, then ones.
• Use compensation: 83 − 29 = 83 − 30 + 1 = 54.
• Common mistake: sign confusion (subtracting the wrong direction).
• Common mistake: borrowing errors on multi-digit subtraction.
• If you're slow, narrow the ranges until accuracy is automatic.
• Try accuracy sets: go slower but aim for zero mistakes for 2 minutes.
• Then do speed sets: 10-20 questions and race the clock.