Subtraction Compensation Strategy

We are excited to introduce our latest educational resource—the Subtraction Compensation Strategy Worksheet. This free worksheet is tailored for students in year 2, year 3, and year 4 who are learning about subtraction strategies in their maths lessons. This comprehensive resource guides students through the compensation strategy for subtraction, helping them grasp and apply this valuable technique with ease.

Understanding the Compensation Strategy for Subtraction

The compensation strategy for subtraction involves adjusting one of the numbers in a subtraction problem to make the calculation simpler. This typically means rounding one number to the nearest ten and then compensating for the adjustment by modifying the other number. This strategy not only simplifies mental arithmetic but also enhances number sense and flexibility in mathematical thinking.

What’s Included in the Worksheet?

Our Subtraction Compensation Strategy Worksheet download consists of three pages designed to help students understand and practice this technique:

Page 1: Introduction and Example
- Explanation of the Compensation Strategy: A clear and concise explanation of what the compensation strategy is and how it can be used to solve subtraction problems.
- Example Problem: A step-by-step demonstration of solving a 2-digit subtraction problem using the compensation strategy. This example serves as a guide for students to understand the process before attempting it on their own.
Pages 2-3: Practice Problems
- Structured Layout: Each problem is laid out with spaces for students to write the number they are adjusting, the new adjusted numbers, and the final answer.
- Scaffolding for Success: The worksheet provides scaffolding to guide students through each step of the compensation strategy, making it easier for them to follow and understand.
- Simple Numbers: All numbers are chosen to be easily rounded to the nearest ten, which is a key step in the compensation strategy.

How to Use This Resource

Introduce the Strategy: Begin by explaining the compensation strategy for subtraction to your students, using the provided explanation and example on page 1.
Guided Practice: Work through a few problems together as a class, demonstrating each step and discussing the thought process behind the strategy.
Independent Practice: Allow students to work on the remaining problems individually or in small groups, using the scaffolding provided to guide their work.
Review and Discuss: Go over the answers as a class, addressing any misconceptions and reinforcing the correct application of the compensation strategy.

Benefits for Students

Builds Number Sense: By rounding and adjusting numbers, students develop a deeper understanding of how numbers work and how they can be manipulated.
Enhances Mental Math Skills: The compensation strategy is a powerful tool for improving mental arithmetic, helping students solve subtraction problems more quickly and accurately.
Encourages Strategic Thinking: Learning different methods to solve problems encourages flexibility and strategic thinking in mathematics.

Download and Print

All of our resources are available for free and can be downloaded by clicking the button below. Print out the Subtraction Compensation Strategy Worksheet and start helping your students master this valuable subtraction strategy today!

We are committed to providing high-quality, engaging, and effective resources that support your teaching efforts and enhance your students' learning experience. Stay tuned for more free educational materials tailored to meet the needs of your classroom.

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