✏️ Tip: you can also edit the numbers by clicking on them, to create the operations you want.
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How to do column subtraction
In column subtraction you stack the larger number (minuend) on top and the smaller one (subtrahend) below, lining up digits of the same value. You subtract column by column starting from the right: if a digit of the minuend is smaller than the one below, you borrow a ten from the column to the left.
Tip: to check a subtraction, add the answer to the subtrahend: you should get the minuend back. The perfect check to do with the child.
Line them up
Write the larger number on top and the smaller below, lining up ones with ones.
Start from the right
Subtract the ones first, then the tens, working to the left.
Borrowing
If the top digit is smaller, borrow a ten from the column to the left: it becomes 10 more.
The check
Add the answer and the subtrahend: if you get the minuend, the subtraction is correct.
Column subtraction: frequently asked questions
When is column subtraction taught?
In Year 2 of primary school, first without borrowing, then with borrowing and three digits between Years 2 and 3.
What is borrowing?
When the top digit is smaller than the bottom one, you borrow a ten from the column to the left: the top digit increases by 10 and the neighbour decreases by 1.
Are the worksheets free?
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