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3rd Grade Math: Subtraction Games
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    • Subtract With Pictures Skills

    View all 6 games
    • Subtract Using Base-10 Blocks
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtract Using Base-10 Blocks

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by subtracting using base-10 blocks.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Model to Subtract
      Subtract With Pictures
      Use Model to Subtract

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to use models to subtract.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Models to Subtract
      Subtract With Pictures
      Use Models to Subtract

      Dive deep into the world of math by using models to subtract.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Model to Subtract 1-Digit Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Use Model to Subtract 1-Digit Number

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by using models to subtract 1-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS

    2-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 15 games
    • Subtract Using Place Value Chart
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract Using Place Value Chart

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by subtracting using a place value chart.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Taking Away Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Taking Away Multiples of 10

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to take away multiples of 10.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Difference by Subtracting Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Find the Difference by Subtracting Multiples of 10

      Have your own math-themed party by learning to find the difference by subtracting multiples of 10.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Subtraction to Find the Difference
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Use Subtraction to Find the Difference

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to use subtraction to find the difference.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS

    3-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 52 games
    • Subtract by Breaking Up Tens
      3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Subtract by Breaking Up Tens

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subtract by breaking up tens.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 10 and 100 from 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 10 and 100 from 3-Digit Numbers

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to subtract 10 and 100 from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find 10 Less than a 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Find 10 Less than a 3-Digit Number

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to find 10 less than a 3-digit number.

      2 3 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use place Value to Subtract by Breaking Tens
      3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Use place Value to Subtract by Breaking Tens

      Sharpen your subtraction skills by using place values to subtract by breaking tens.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS

    4-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 12 games
    • Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers using models.

      3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Sharpen your math skills by subtracting 2-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Subtract 3-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to fluently subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS

    All Subtraction Skills

    • Solve Scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to solve scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Subtraction Word Problems
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Subtraction Word Problems

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to solve subtraction word problems.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Models to Subtract 2-Digit Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Use Models to Subtract 2-Digit Number

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to use models to subtract 2-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value Chart to Subtract Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Use Place Value Chart to Subtract Multiples of 10

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by using place value charts to subtract multiples of 10.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 10 from a 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 10 from a 3-Digit Number

      Practice the superpower of subtraction by learning how to subtract 10 from a 3-digit number.

      2 3 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Models to Subtract 3-Digit Numbers
      Subtract With Pictures
      Use Models to Subtract 3-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by using models to subtract 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Multiples of 10

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by subtracting multiples of 10.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting 10 from 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtracting 10 from 3-Digit Numbers

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subtract 10 from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model

      Use your math skills to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit numbers using models.

      3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Multiples of 10 from 2-Digit Numbers
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Multiples of 10 from 2-Digit Numbers

      Use your subtraction skills to subtract multiples of 10 from 2-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 1-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 1-Digit Number

      Apply your math skills to use place value charts to subtract 1-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by fluently subtracting 3-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Find the Missing Number in Subtraction Sentence

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning to find the missing number in subtraction sentences.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 1-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 1-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by subtracting 1-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Practice the superpower of math by learning how to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value Chart to Subtract
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Use Place Value Chart to Subtract

      Learn to solve math problems by using place value charts to subtract.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting 1-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtracting 1-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring to subtract 1-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers Using Model
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers Using Model

      Learn to solve math problems by subtracting two 4-digit numbers using models.

      3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers

      Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to subtract 2-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Subtraction to Complete the Equations
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Use Subtraction to Complete the Equations

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by using subtraction to complete the equations.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Regroup to Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by regrouping to subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to subtract 2-digit numbers without regrouping.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 2-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 2-Digit Number

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by using the place value chart to subtract 2-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers

      Help your child take flight by learning how to fluently subtract two 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract to Complete the Subtraction Sentence
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract to Complete the Subtraction Sentence

      Practice the superpower of math by learning how to subtract to complete the subtraction sentence.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring to subtract 2-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Two 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to subtract two 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting 2-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtracting 2-Digit Number from 3-Digit Number

      Dive deep into the world of math by subtracting 2-digit numbers from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers to Complete the Equations
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers to Complete the Equations

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by subtracting 2-digit numbers to complete the equation.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Use Place Value Chart to Subtract 3-Digit Numbers

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by using place value charts to subtract 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by subtracting 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtracting 3-Digit Numbers

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by subtracting 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit Numbers to Complete the Equations
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit Numbers to Complete the Equations

      Subtract 3-digit numbers to complete the equations.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    1 2 →

    Addition and Subtraction as Inverse Operations

    Addition and subtraction are called inverse operations as one is the mathematical ‘opposite’ of the other. Hence, they should be taught parallelly, alongside each other rather than as two separate entities. It is essential that children are taught to appreciate and make use of this mathematical relationship when developing and using mental calculation strategies. By comparing the different conceptual structures for addition and subtraction learnt so far, we can clearly see that each addition model has a corresponding subtraction model as its inverse:

    Addition and Subtraction as Inverse Operations

    To solve add and subtract math word problems care must also be taken in knowing well not just the addition and subtraction definition but also the terminology. Here is a list of terms curated to help solve math problems related to addition and subtraction.

    For addition: plus, add, sum, total, together, addition, increase by, more, additional

    For subtraction: minus, subtract from, subtraction, Less, difference, decrease by, take away, deduct 

    Requirements for Mental Addition and Subtraction Strategies

    Place Value of Digits in any Number

    Sound understanding of the aspects of place value system is utmost important for children to achieve success in mental addition and subtraction tasks. It is therefore important that children can partition numbers or decompose numbers into their constituents. This is possible when children can recognize the value of the digits within the numbers, thus 53 = 50 + 3; 527 = 500 + 20 + 7 and, at later stages, they should be able to understand the same for decimals. For example, 9·23 = 9 + 0·2 + 0·03.

    Comparison of Numbers

    Children will also need familiarity with the relative sizes of numbers. They should recall this from all the ordering activities in place value system

    Relationship between Addition and Subtraction

    The inverse relationship between addition and subtraction should also be clear to kids as knowing strategies for addition will help them unlock the subtraction strategies automatically.

    Some Mental Strategies for Addition and Subtraction

    1. Rearranging Numbers

    Rearrange the numbers such that the larger number is put first when adding using the commutative law. For example, 6 + 14, is more easily tackled as 14 + 6. 

    2. Using Repeated Operations

    Repeated subtraction is easier to do when subtracting a large number.

    For example, subtracting 300 by subtracting 100 three times.

    3. Compensation or Adjustment

    At times, it is easier to calculate by adjusting the numbers a little. For example, calculating with 10 is easier than calculating with 9. Calculating 43 + 19 by working out 43 + 20 and then subtracting 1 is a much more efficient way of solving the problem. 

    4. Using Near Doubles or Halves

    When the numbers involved in the math problem are consecutive numbers.

    For example, calculating 18 + 17 as ‘double 17 and add 1’ or ‘double 18 and subtract 1’

    Or calculating 24 − 13 as (24 − 12) – 1

    5. Partitioning

    Decomposing or partition a number is sometimes more efficient.

    For example, 27 + 34 = (20 + 30) + (7 + 4) = 50 + 11 = 61

    or 27 + 34 = (20 + 30) + 7 + 4 = 50 + 7 + 4 = 57 + 4 = 61

    6. Bridging to the next Multiple of 10 or 100

    For example, calculating 238 + 17 by splitting 17 into 2 + 15.

    So, 238 + 17 = (238 + 2) + 15 = 240 + 15 = 255

    7. Using Inverse Relationships

    We know addition and subtraction are inversely related so subtractive problems can be made additive. For example, calculating 100 − 70 by knowing that 70 + 30 = 100 and that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.

    8. Rounding (to approximating answers)

    For example, to solve 24 + 67, round of 24 to 20, 67 to 70 and then add 20 + 70 = 90

    This approach is mostly used in multiple choice answers where knowing the approximate answer also works.

    9. Using Equivalences

    Equivalence relation may be used in some cases.

    For example, calculating 101 − 35 by noting that this is equivalent to calculating 100 – 34 or calculating 5 + 8 by noting that this is equivalent to 5 + 10 - 2 = 15 - 3 = 13

    Progression in Written Methods for Subtraction

    By this grade students are already well versed with double digit subtraction with regrouping and without regrouping. In 3rd grade children should be equipped with four digits and three digit subtraction with regrouping. Following methods can be used to define subtraction and extend their knowledge of two digit subtraction with regrouping to subtract integers, decimals, mixed numbers and fractions. Time subtraction, vector subtraction and matrix subtraction will also be done in a similar way in later stages.

    Methods for Subtraction

    Counting up from the smaller to the larger number

    This method combines the use of complementary addition with the use of number line.

    Counting up using the number line

    Compensation ( Take too much, add back)

    To solve subtraction problems using this method first subtract too much and then add back whatever extra was subtracted from the minuend.

    For example, 783-356

    Subtraction using Compensation

    Expanded form of Standard Algorithm

    This method is used when some of the digits in the first number are smaller than the corresponding digits in the second number. This makes the use of decomposition necessary.

    1. by decomposition of tens into ones (using the exchange 1 ten = 10 ones)

    Decomposition of Tens into Ones

    2. decomposition of hundreds into tens (using the exchange 1 hundred = 10 tens)

    Decomposition of Hundreds into Tens

    3. decomposition of hundreds into tens and then tens into ones

    Decomposing Hundreds and Tens

    This algorithm can be modeled using Dienes’ base 10 apparatus as follows:

    Let us look at an example of subtraction 243-179

    Step 1: Partition the first number into hundreds, tens and ones: 243 = 200 + 40 + 3. Place the corresponding Dienes' blocks in the relevant columns.

    Partitioning the Number

    Step 2: Partition the second number into hundreds, tens and ones:179 = 100 + 70 + 9. A decision needs to be made at this point as to whether the subtraction of individual columns is immediately feasible or not. In this example, the tens and ones’ columns are not.

    Step 3: One of the hundreds blocks is decomposed into 10 tens in order to make subtraction of the tens digits feasible.

    Decomposing Hundreds

    However, the ones column is still infeasible so a further decomposition is necessary.

    Decomposing Tens

    Step 4: This time, one of the tens is decomposed into 10 ones. This finally makes the subtraction column by column feasible.

    Decomposing both Hundreds and Tens

    Step 5: Column by column, blocks equivalent to the values of the digits in the second number are removed from the first number.

    Subtracting using Decomposition

    Step 6: The blocks remaining from the first number after the subtraction has been performed are now placed in the answer box and their values combined to produce the answer: 60 + 4 = 64.

    Contraction of Expanded Algorithm to Standard Algorithm

    This method is a contracted form of the algorithm detailed above. Following are some examples for three digit subtraction with regrouping.

    For example,

    1. with decomposition of tens into ones (using the exchange 1 ten = 10 ones)

    Contraction of Decomposition of Tens

    2. with decomposition of hundreds into tens (using the exchange 1 hundred = 10 tens)

    Contraction of Decomposition of Hundreds

    3. with decomposition of hundreds into tens and then tens into ones

    Contraction of Decomposition of Hundreds and Tens

    Extend to Larger Numbers

    Use the same algorithms for long subtraction. For larger numbers, introduce the expanded formats first, then contract these to the standard algorithm. Once comfortable with the standard algorithm, use the same to practice adding and subtracting negative numbers worksheets then proceed to adding and subtracting integers worksheet, then practice adding and subtracting decimals worksheets and finally practice adding and subtracting mixed numbers worksheet.

    Extend to Negative Numbers

    Children should be taught how to add and subtract integers through learning games and activities first and then through standard algorithms. How to subtract integers or how to subtract negative numbers is easy provided students are comfortable with standard subtraction algorithm. However, the rules for adding and subtracting negative numbers must be laid down for children to be able to correctly represent all the problems of mathematics.

    Extend to Decimal Numbers

    Children may continue to align the right-most digits of each number vertically even when this is not appropriate for decimal numbers. It is important that children are taught, even for whole number subtractions, to align the digits of the second number underneath those of the first number according to the place value of each of the digits, that is, tens under tens, ones under ones, tenths under tenths etc. Once this concept is clear, emphasize on rules of adding and subtracting decimals. Provide kids with subtracting decimals worksheet to practice the standard algorithm well.

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