Subtracting 2-digit numbers

Column subtraction is a way of subtracting larger numbers.

It is called column subtraction, because you write one number underneath the other, using place value to sort the tens and ones in separate columns.

You then subtract the digits, starting from the ones column on the right-hand side.

Complete this interactive activity to learn more about subtracting numbers using column subtraction and then put your knowledge to the test with a quiz.

Let's look at how you can use column subtraction to solve subtraction problems.

When using column subtraction you write one number above the other.

You line up the digits of each number in columns according to their place value.

You then start working out the answer starting with the digits with the smallest place value.

You can do column subtraction using objects, counters and pictures too.

Sometimes you have to re-arrange the first number in the calculation.

To do this, you take a group of ten from the tens column and put it in the ones column.

Example 2