Speed calculation · lesson 3 of 25 · free

Same-change subtraction — Speed Calculation

The answer to a subtraction is the gap between two numbers. If you add the same amount to both numbers, the gap does not change. So push the number you take away up to a round ten, push the other number up by the same amount, and the sum becomes easy.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

The fast method

Shift both — “moving both numbers by the same amount keeps the gap the same”

  1. How much makes the second number round? 68 needs 2 to make 70.
  2. Add that amount to BOTH numbers.
  3. Take away the round number.

Use it for: Working out change, differences in marks or ages, and any subtraction that would need borrowing.

Worked example: 423 − 68 = 355

  1. 68 needs 2 to make 70.
  2. Add 2 to both: 425 − 70.
  3. 425 − 70 = 355.

Check: 355 + 68 = 423 ✓

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✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

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🏁 Lesson 3 test

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🖨️ Subtraction Trick Worksheet

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