Subtraction Strategy: Counting Up

Core Concepts

Learn to find the difference by 'counting up' from the smaller number to the larger number. This is an excellent strategy when the two numbers in a problem are close together.

Subtraction Strategy: Counting Up

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How does the 'counting up' strategy for subtraction work?

Start with the smaller number and count up to the bigger number. The number of steps you count is the answer.

How would you solve $$9 - 7$$ by counting up?

Start at $7$. Count up to $9$: $8, 9$. That's $2$ steps. So, the answer is $2$.

When is 'counting up' a good strategy to use?

It is a great strategy when the two numbers in the subtraction problem are very close to each other.

Use the counting up strategy to solve: $$6 - 4 = ?$$

Start at $4$. Count up to $6$: $5, 6$. That's $2$ steps. The answer is $2$.

Use the counting up strategy to solve: $$8 - 5 = ?$$

Start at $5$. Count up to $8$: $6, 7, 8$. That's $3$ steps. The answer is $3$.

$$5 - 3 = ?$$

$$2$$

$$9 - 8 = ?$$

$$1$$

$$7 - 5 = ?$$

$$2$$

$$4 - 3 = ?$$

$$1$$

Subtraction Strategy: Counting Up

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