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Maths lesson · Addition and subtraction

How to subtract bigger numbers in columns

Line the numbers up by place, then take away the ones, then the tens.

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Step 4 of 468 − 25 = 43. Check by adding: 43 + 25 = 68. Written in the answer so far: 4 in the tens, 3 in the ones.OT6825−34
68 − 25 = 43. Check by adding: 43 + 25 = 68.

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How to work it out

68 − 25

4 steps

  1. Step 1Set out 68 − 25 in columns: ones under ones, tens under tens. Start with the ones.
  2. Step 2Take away the ones: 8 − 5 = 3. Write 3 in the ones column.
  3. Step 3Take away the tens: 6 − 2 = 4. Write 4 in the tens column.
  4. Step 468 − 25 = 43. Check by adding: 43 + 25 = 68.

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About this lesson

Column subtraction sets the bigger number on top, ones under ones and tens under tens. Your child takes away one column at a time, starting with the ones. When every top digit is big enough, nothing needs regrouping, so this comes before subtracting with regrouping. Adding the answer back checks it.

What your child learns

  • Subtract a two-digit number where no column needs regrouping.

Australia · Year 2: Australian Curriculum v9 · AC9M2N04

Practise subtracting bigger numbers

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  • Subtracting bigger numbers practice packEvery level, new numbers any time, with answer keys.Coming soon