Year 2 · Subtraction

Subtract 2-digit numbers

Two ways to subtract 52 − 27: jump back along a number line in easy steps (you can see the number shrinking), or line the digits up in columns.

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Method 1, jumps: start at the first number.
Jump by the tens, then the ones of the second number.
Where you land is the answer.
Method 2, columns: subtract the ones. If the top digit is smaller, borrow 1 from the next column (it becomes 10 more).
Subtract the next column, remembering any borrow. Keep going left.

Method 1: Jumps

Start at 52. Jump back by 20, then 7.

52 − 27

52 − 20 = 32

32 − 7 = 25

52 − 27 = 25

Method 2: Columns

Line up the digits. Subtract each column from the right, borrowing when the top digit is smaller.

52 − 27

Work right to left, one column at a time.

52 − 27 = 25

With a free account, these play as step-by-step animations.

Watch out

After borrowing, the digit you borrowed from is one smaller.

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