Subtraction Strategies Color by Number

Work the example step by step with your child, then let them choose between two strategies on a problem and explain the choice. Use the fluency pages after the strategy pages, not before, so practice builds on understanding.

Subtract with think addition and subtracting tens, then color by difference. Think addition: 15 − 7 asks 7 + ? = 15. Subtract tens: take the tens away, 95 − 90 = 5. The difference tells the color. The directions on the page read: Subtract each box. Then, use the color key to color the box and reveal the picture. The page opens with a worked example, and the answer key shows every answer.

Yes, both. We made it for 2nd Grade subtraction, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with subtraction strategies. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

They think addition, count back, hop on a number line, break apart the number being taken away, subtract tens then ones, and count back to the nearest ten. Each sheet shows one strategy in a worked example before students try it.

For 54 - 28, split 28 into 20 and 8. Then 54 - 20 = 34 and 34 - 8 = 26. Subtracting in two easy steps avoids trading across a ten in one move.

Count back works best when the number taken away is small, like 3 or 4, even when the starting number is larger. For bigger differences, think addition or break apart is usually faster.

They support 2.OA.B.2 (subtract within 20) and 2.NBT.B.5 (subtract within 100 using place value strategies).

Second graders should fluently subtract within 20 (CCSS 2.OA.B.2) and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value (2.NBT.B.5). They also begin subtracting within 1,000 with models and drawings (2.NBT.B.7).

Start with base-ten blocks: show that when you cannot subtract the ones, you trade one ten for 10 ones. Practice this physically before moving to paper. Worksheets that show the regrouping step-by-step help students internalize the process before working independently.