subtraction with regrouping strategy

Upper elementary students learn the standard algorithm for addition at some point during their elementary math instruction. It is generally the most efficient computational method, and it is essential for efficient multiplication computations later on in the curriculum. Teachers often introduce the algorithm conceptually by demonstrating the process with base ten blocks. Next, students solve addition computations pictorially using base ten block notation. Once students have success adding with pictures, teachers naturally transition to having students add with numbers.

Upper elementary students learn the standard algorithm for subtraction at some point during their elementary math instruction. It is generally the most efficient computational method, and it is essential for efficient division computations later on in the curriculum. Teachers often introduce the algorithm conceptually by demonstrating the process with base ten blocks. Next, students solve subtraction computations pictorially using base ten block notation. Once students have success subtracting with pictures, teachers naturally transition to having students subtract with numbers.

Teaching the standard algorithm for subtraction may not be the first method of subtraction you teach students, but eventually every student should learn how to subtract using the standard algorithm. Conceptual understanding of the standard algorithms is the type of thinking that is needed to succeed in algebra and advanced mathematics (Wu 2009).