Essential Subtraction Strategies for Student Success

Whether you are new to teaching subtraction or looking to expand your set of techniques, equipping young learners with multiple subtraction strategies can significantly enhance their mathematical confidence. Developing a strong foundation in subtraction not only helps students grasp fundamental maths concepts but also prepares them for more complex problem-solving as they progress.

We understand the importance of using varied approaches to cater to different learning styles. This guide explores a range of effective subtraction strategies that you can incorporate into your teaching. Whether you are revisiting subtraction after some time or teaching it for the first time, these methods will help make learning subtraction more engaging and accessible for your students. Explore the strategies below and choose the ones that best suit your classroom needs.

Why is Teaching Subtraction Strategies Important?

Teaching multiple subtraction strategies is essential for developing well-rounded mathematical thinkers. Every student learns differently - some grasp concepts visually, others prefer hands-on methods, while some excel with logical step-by-step approaches. 

By introducing various subtraction strategies, teachers can cater to different learning styles, making subtraction more accessible and engaging for all students. Here are some key reasons why incorporating multiple subtraction techniques benefits learners.

Builds Conceptual Understanding

Rather than relying solely on memorisation, multiple strategies help students understand the ‘why’ behind subtraction. When learners see subtraction in different ways - such as breaking numbers apart, using number lines, or applying real-world scenarios, they develop a deeper understanding of how numbers interact.

Encourages Flexible Thinking

Mathematics is not just about following rules; it is about problem-solving. By exposing students to different methods, they learn to think flexibly and choose the most efficient strategy based on the problem at hand. This adaptability is crucial as they progress to more advanced maths topics.

Supports Differentiation in the Classroom

Every class has a diverse range of learners, from those who grasp concepts quickly to those who need extra support. Offering multiple subtraction strategies allows students to find methods that work best for them, creating a more inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed.

Boosts Confidence and Reduces Anxiety

Struggling with a single method can be frustrating for students, leading to math anxiety. However, when they have several strategies to choose from, they are more likely to find one that makes sense to them. This builds confidence, reduces frustration, and fosters a positive attitude towards learning maths.

Prepares Students for Advanced Maths

A strong foundation in subtraction supports future learning in topics like multiplication, division, and algebra. When students understand subtraction from multiple perspectives, they develop number sense and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their mathematical journey.

Top 7 Subtraction Strategies You Need to Teach Students

Here are some subtraction strategies that are a must for teaching students.

1. Break Apart Strategy

The Break Apart Strategy is an effective method that helps students deconstruct numbers into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach reinforces number sense by encouraging students to see numbers in terms of place value, making subtraction easier and more intuitive.

How It Works

Instead of subtracting in one step, students break the numbers into their place value components (hundreds, tens, and ones) and subtract each part separately. This allows them to simplify the subtraction process while maintaining accuracy.

Example

Let's subtract 84 – 37 using the break-apart method:

• Break each number into place values:

84 → 80 + 4

37 → 30 + 7

• Subtract the tens and ones separately:

80 – 30 = 50

4 – 7 = ? (Since we cannot subtract 7 from 4 easily, we use regrouping.)

• Regroup and adjust:

Borrow 10 from the tens place (changing 50 to 40) and add it to 4, making it 14.

Now, 14 – 7 = 7.

• Combine the results:

50 (-10 borrowed) + 7 = 47

So, 84 – 37 = 47.

Why It Works

• Reinforces place value understanding, helping students see how numbers are structured.
• Encourages mental maths, making it easier to subtract without paper.
• Provides a clear step-by-step process that builds confidence in students.

The Break Apart Strategy is particularly useful for students who struggle with traditional subtraction methods, as it allows them to approach problems in a structured yet flexible way.

2. Number Line Strategy

The Number Line Strategy is a visual method that helps students understand subtraction by representing numbers on a number line. This approach is especially useful for young learners, as it provides a clear, step-by-step visual representation of the subtraction process.

How It Works

Students use a number line to count backward when subtracting. They start at the larger number and move left, making jumps based on place value or counting down in smaller steps.

Example

Let’s solve 58 – 23 using a number line:

• Draw a number line with numbers ranging from at least 30 to 60 (covering the values we need).
• Start at 58, since it is the larger number.
• Make a big jump of 20 (subtracting the tens place of 23), landing on 38.
• Make a small jump of 3 (subtracting the ones place), landing on 35.
• Final answer: 58 – 23 = 35.

Variations of the Number Line Strategy

Counting Back in Steps – This method helps students break the subtraction into manageable steps (e.g., subtracting tens first, then ones).

Counting Up (Finding the Difference) – Instead of jumping backward, students start at the smaller number (23) and count forward to 58 to find the difference. This is useful when teaching subtraction as “finding the difference” rather than “taking away.”

Why It Works

• Provides a clear visual representation of subtraction.
• Helps students understand the concept of moving backward on the number line.
• Reinforces mental subtraction skills by encouraging students to break numbers down into tens and ones.
• Supports struggling learners who benefit from seeing maths in a concrete way.

The Number Line Strategy is an excellent tool for young learners or visual learners who need a structured way to approach subtraction.

3. Subtract in Chunks Strategy

The Subtract in Chunks Strategy is an effective method that helps students break down subtraction problems into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of solving the problem in one go, students subtract in parts - first, the larger place values (like tens or hundreds), then the smaller ones. This approach makes subtraction easier and reinforces number sense.

How It Works

Students gradually subtract a number in chunks, breaking it into parts they can easily work with. This method is especially useful for mental maths and helps build confidence in subtraction without requiring formal regrouping.

Example

Let’s solve 92 – 46 using the subtract-in-chunks method:

• Start with the bigger number → 92
• Subtract in chunks:

First, subtract 40 (from 46) → 92 – 40 = 52

Then, subtract 6 (remaining part of 46) → 52 – 6 = 46

Final answer: 92 – 46 = 46

Why It Works

• Encourages mental maths by breaking problems into simpler steps.
• Helps students avoid errors by focusing on one part of the number at a time.
• Reinforces place value understanding by separating numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones.
• Provides a structured approach that is easy to follow, making subtraction less intimidating.

The Subtract in Chunks Strategy is particularly useful for students who struggle with traditional column subtraction, as it allows them to break problems into easier steps while still arriving at the correct answer.

4. Base Ten Strategy

The Base Ten Strategy is a visual and hands-on approach that helps students understand subtraction by using base ten blocks or drawings. This method is particularly effective for young learners, as it reinforces place value and provides a concrete way to see how subtraction works.

How It Works

Students represent numbers using base ten blocks (hundreds, tens, and ones) or draw them as visual models. They then remove or exchange blocks as needed to complete the subtraction.

Example

Let’s solve 74 – 38 using base ten blocks:

• Represent the number 74 using base ten blocks:

7 ten-blocks (🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟)

4 one-blocks (⚫⚫⚫⚫)

• Break down 38 into tens and ones:

3 ten-blocks (🔟🔟🔟)

8 one-blocks (⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫)

• Subtract the tens first:

Remove 3 ten-blocks, leaving 4 ten-blocks (40 left).

• Subtract the ones:

We need to take away 8, but we only have 4 ones.

• Regroup: Take one ten-block and break it into 10 ones, giving us 14 ones in total.

Remove 8 ones, leaving 6 ones.

• Final answer:

3 ten-blocks (🔟🔟🔟) + 6 ones (⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫) = 36

So, 74 – 38 = 36

Why It Works

• Provides a hands-on, visual learning experience, making subtraction tangible.
• Reinforces place value understanding by showing how numbers break down into tens and ones.
• Helps students grasp regrouping (borrowing) in a concrete way before moving to abstract subtraction.
• Supports kinesthetic learners who benefit from physical interaction with materials.

The Base Ten Strategy is ideal for early learners and those struggling with regrouping, as it offers a clear, step-by-step approach to subtraction. You can also use expanded-form worksheets to help reinforce the concepts.  

5. Compensation Strategy

The Compensation Strategy is a mental maths technique that simplifies subtraction by adjusting numbers to make the calculation easier. Instead of subtracting a tricky number, students round one of the numbers to a more convenient value, perform the subtraction, and then adjust the answer accordingly.

This method helps students develop number flexibility and a deeper understanding of how numbers relate to each other.

How It Works

Students adjust the subtrahend (the number being subtracted) or the minuend (the starting number) to make the problem easier, then compensate for the adjustment.

Example

Let’s solve 63 – 29 using compensation:

• Adjust 29 to 30 (since 30 is easier to subtract).
• Subtract 63 – 30 instead, which equals 33.
• Since we subtracted 1 extra, we added 1 back to get the correct answer: 34.

So, 63 – 29 = 34.

Why It Works

• Makes subtraction mentally easier by working with round numbers.
• Encourages number flexibility and helps students think strategically about maths.
• Reduces the chance of errors, especially in complex calculations.
• Helps students build confidence in mental subtraction without always relying on written methods.

The Compensation Strategy is excellent for students who are comfortable with number manipulation and need a quicker way to subtract mentally. To test subtraction, you can use online AI Quiz Generators to design a variety of resources based on your students’ age group and grade level.

6. Standard Algorithm (Column Subtraction)

The Standard Algorithm, also known as Column Subtraction, is the traditional method taught in schools for solving subtraction problems. This strategy involves writing numbers in columns, aligning place values (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.), and subtracting from right to left. If a digit in the minuend (top number) is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend (bottom number), borrowing (or regrouping) is used.

This method is essential for building strong foundational skills in subtraction and is widely used in more advanced maths.

How It Works

Students line up the numbers vertically and subtract column by column, borrowing from the next place value when necessary.

Example Without Borrowing

Solve 85 – 42 using the standard algorithm:

85 - 42 = 43

Subtract ones place: 5 – 2 = 3.

Subtract tens place: 8 – 4 = 4.

Final answer: 43.

Example With Borrowing

Solve 72 – 48 using the standard algorithm:

   7 ¹2   (Borrowing from the tens place)  

 - 4  8  

 ------  

   2  4  

• Start with the ones place: 2 – 8 is not possible, so borrow 1 from the 7, turning it into 6. Now, the 2 becomes 12.
• Subtract ones place: 12 – 8 = 4.
• Subtract tens place: 6 – 4 = 2.

Final answer: 24.

Why It Works

• A structured, step-by-step approach that works for all subtraction problems.
• Helps students transition to more advanced maths concepts like multi-digit subtraction and decimals.
• Reinforces place value understanding, especially when borrowing is needed.
• A universal method that students can rely on throughout their academic journey.

While some students may find the standard algorithm challenging at first, regular practice will help them master it. Pairing this strategy with hands-on methods (such as base ten blocks) can improve understanding.

7. Adding Up (Counting Up Strategy)

The Adding Up Strategy, also known as Counting Up, is a mental maths technique that turns subtraction into an addition problem. Instead of taking away, students count upwards from the smaller number to the larger number, making it easier to find the difference.

This method is particularly useful for young learners, as it builds number sense and reinforces the connection between addition and subtraction.

How It Works

Students start with the smaller number and count up to the larger number in easy steps, keeping track of how much they have added.

Example

Solve 84 – 76 using the adding up strategy:

Start at 76.

Add 4 to reach 80.

Add 4 more to reach 84.

The total added is 4 + 4 = 8, so 84 – 76 = 8.

Another Example (With Larger Numbers)

Solve 325 – 289:

Start at 289.

Add 1 to reach 290.

Add 10 to reach 300.

Add 25 to reach 325.

The total added is 1 + 10 + 25 = 36, so 325 – 289 = 36.

Why It Works

• Reinforces the relationship between addition and subtraction.
• Encourages mental maths and number flexibility.
• Reduces the need for borrowing/regrouping, making it easier for some students.
• Works well for subtraction with money and time, where counting up is often more intuitive.

This strategy is especially helpful for students who struggle with traditional subtraction methods, as it offers an alternative way to think about finding the difference.

Choosing the Right Subtraction Strategy for Your Students

Every student learns differently, and when it comes to subtraction, one size does not fit all. Some children grasp number patterns quickly and prefer mental maths strategies, while others feel more confident using structured methods like the Standard Algorithm or Base Ten Blocks. As educators, our goal is to expose students to multiple subtraction strategies and help them identify which methods work best for their individual learning styles.

Why Teach Multiple Subtraction Strategies?

Teaching a variety of strategies benefits students in several ways:

• Builds Number Sense – Helps students understand how numbers relate to each other rather than relying on memorisation.
• Encourages Problem-Solving – Allows students to approach subtraction flexibly and choose the most efficient method for different problems.
• Reduces Math Anxiety – Some students struggle with traditional algorithms, so having alternative strategies gives them a sense of control and confidence.
• Prepares for More Advanced Maths – Strengthening number manipulation skills supports future topics like algebra, fractions, and mental arithmetic.

For teachers, especially those in mathematics, creating lesson plans, worksheets, and assessments takes up a significant portion of their day. To do this, you can explore various math AI tools to sort things out. 

How to Help Students Choose the Right Strategy

• Start with Hands-On Methods – Strategies like Base Ten Blocks or Number Lines help visual learners build a strong foundation before moving on to abstract methods.
• Encourage Mental Maths for Simpler Problems – Methods like Compensation and Adding Up are great for small numbers and help students develop quick-thinking skills.
• Introduce the Standard Algorithm for Larger Numbers – Once students are comfortable with number relationships, teaching the column subtraction method ensures they can tackle multi-digit problems efficiently.
• Let Students Experiment – Encourage students to try different strategies and discuss which methods feel easiest for them. A flexible approach helps students gain confidence in their own mathematical thinking.
• Provide Real-World Context – Applying subtraction to real-life scenarios (e.g., calculating change, measuring distances, or solving word problems) reinforces the importance of choosing the right method.

As a teacher, you can rely on AI-powered tools like teacherbot.io to ease your workload and create customised resources to help students. 

Conclusion

Teaching multiple subtraction strategies equips students with the flexibility and confidence to tackle problems effectively. By using methods like Break Apart, Number Line, Base Ten, and Compensation, teachers can cater to different learning styles and strengthen number sense.