Subtraction (2-digit)
This topic covers 4 learning steps, guiding your child from the basics through to confident problem-solving. Each step includes a worked example and adaptive practice questions.
What Your Child Will Learn
- Subtract ones from 2-digit
Subtract a 1-digit from a 2-digit number - Subtract 2-digit numbers
Subtract two 2-digit numbers without regrouping - Subtract with regrouping
Subtract with regrouping (borrowing) - Missing number subtraction
Find the missing number: ? - 24 = 35
Common Mistakes
- Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in each column regardless of position (e.g. for 42−17, doing 7−2=5 in the units)
In subtraction, you always take the bottom from the top. If the top digit is smaller, you must exchange: borrow 1 ten to make 12 in the units, then subtract 7 from 12. - Forgetting to reduce the tens after exchanging (e.g. borrowing a ten but not crossing it out)
When you borrow a ten, the tens digit MUST go down by 1. Use a visual method: cross out the tens digit and write the new smaller number above it.
Tips for Parents
- Use base-10 blocks: show 42 as 4 tens and 2 ones. To subtract 17, you need to break a ten into ones first — this makes exchanging tangible.
- Practise on a number line: start at 42, jump back 10 to 32, then jump back 7 to 25. The jumps make the method visible.
- Play "Guess the Change" at a pretend shop: "The toy costs 35p and you pay 50p — what change do you get?"
- Use real coins — make 42p with coins, then physically remove coins worth 17p. Count what's left.
Key Words
- Subtract — Take one number away from another to find the difference.
- Exchange — Break a ten into 10 ones so you can subtract from the units column.
- Difference — How much more one number is than another — the difference between 42 and 17 is 25.
- Borrow — Another word for exchange — taking 1 from the tens column and adding 10 to the units.
Where This Fits
Before this topic: Children should subtract within 20 confidently and understand that 1 ten = 10 ones.
After this topic: Two-digit subtraction leads to three-digit subtraction in Year 3 and formal column subtraction.
How MathCraft Teaches This
In MathCraft, Subtraction (2-digit) is taught through the Algebra & Arithmetic adventure track. Your child follows guided lessons with friendly characters, works through examples step by step, then practises with questions that adapt to their level.
The adaptive engine tracks mastery across all 4 steps, revisiting concepts your child finds tricky and advancing when they're ready. Parents can see detailed progress in the Parent Dashboard.
Practise Subtraction (2-digit) with MathCraft
Step-by-step lessons, worked examples, and adaptive practice — all wrapped in an adventure game your child will love.
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