How to Subtract Using Reverse Addition

This was requested by Jake’s Mom. Since she was taught to borrow, she was dumfounded at what Jake brought home. Happily, Jake is young enough and unscathed enough to not balk at a “different” method than what his mom was taught. He got it right away.

But Jake’s mom, on the other hand, is struggling.

If your kiddo is being taught this, here’s a way to look at it that might help you understand what’s going on.

First, a brief review on the relationship of subtraction to addition:

Here’s what “reverse addition” looks like in relation to our old friend “borrowing,” using the same example:

And here’s an example:

Another example (along with a special tip for you):

And a final example, just to help you get the hang of it.

Still have questions? Post them in the comments.

Thanks, Jake’s Mom, for the question!