Most scorers can handle adding up scores, but they start sweating when it comes to subtracting. It's a fact: adding is easier than subtracting. So, use that to your advantage, even when you need to subtract.
Subtract first, then add
Need to subtract 41? That sounds pretty simple, right? You do -40 and then -1.
Example:
365 – 41 = 325 – 1 = 324
But if you need to subtract 38, it becomes a headache:
365 – 38... ?!?
Yeah, that’s not so easy.
In this case, since adding is easier than subtracting, do this so you can add the smaller number:
Not: -30 – 8
But: - 40 + 2
365 – 40 + 2 = 325 + 2 = 327
Another example:
296 – 57
Is not: - 50 – 7
But: - 60 + 3
296 – 57 = 236 + 3 = 239
Adding from 100
Adding becomes a breeze when you approach 100. First subtract 100 and then add the difference:
- - 95 becomes -100 + 5
- - 85 becomes -100 + 15
- - 87 becomes -100 + 13
- And even: - 60 is -100 + 40
Example:
376 – 88
= 376 – 100 + 12
= 276 + 12
= 288
And 100 itself is a piece of cake. It's great if your player regularly hits 100. They couldn’t make it easier for you.
The general rule
To summarize (drum roll!):
- Does the number end in 1 or 2? Subtract the number -1 or -2, because that’s still the easiest.
- Does the number end in 3 to 9? Subtract a higher ten and add the remainder.
- Are you close to 100? Subtract 100 first and then add the difference.
Want to do it yourself?
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