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133 LearnersLast updated on 17 September 2025
2-Digit Subtraction
2-digit subtraction is the process of subtracting numbers where the minuend is a 2-digit number and the subtrahend is a 1 or 2-digit number. The subtraction is done column-wise, using the place values of the tens and ones. In this article, we will be learning about 2-digit subtraction, techniques used for subtraction, and some real-life examples of this basic math operation.
What is 2-Digit Subtraction?
When subtracting numbers, we must place them in columns based on their place values. The number that we start with while subtracting is called the minuend, and the number that we subtract from the minuend is called the subtrahend. The final answer after subtracting the subtrahend from the minuend is called the difference.
The formula can be written as :
Minuend - Subtrahend = Difference
The column method is commonly used in 2-digit subtraction. The steps for the method are as follows:
- Arrange the numbers in columns, in such a way that the number with the greater value should be on top.
- Arrange the digits according to their place values, ensuring that ones place and tens place are positioned correctly.
- Begin the subtraction from the ones column first, and then go to the tens column.
- Write the final answer below the line as the result.
How to do 2 Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping?
2-digit subtraction without regrouping means subtracting the numbers without borrowing from the next column. Regrouping is not required if the digits of the number placed at the top is greater than the digits of the number at the bottom in every column. Let us understand this with an example:
39 - 28
The following are the steps to be followed while solving this:
1. Arrange the numbers according to their place values
2. Start subtracting from the ones column. Since the digit in the ones place of the minuend is greater than that of the subtrahend, borrowing is not needed. Subtracting the digits in ones column, we get 9 - 8 = 1.
3. Now move on to the tens place and subtract 3 - 2 = 1.
Therefore, the final difference between 39 and 28 is 11.
How to do 2 Digit Subtraction with Regrouping?
2-digit subtraction with regrouping, also known as subtraction with borrowing, is used when the digit of the minuend is smaller than that of the subtrahend’s digit. We borrow 1 from the next column to make subtraction possible. Let us understand this with an example:
Subtract 17 from 56
The following are the steps to be followed while subtracting 17 from 56:
1. Arrange the digits of the numbers according to their place values.
2. Start the subtraction from ones place. If the digit of the minuend is smaller than the subtrahend, borrow 1 from the tens column. In this example, since 6 in one place is smaller than 7, we borrow 1 from the tens place and 6 becomes 16. Now subtract 16 – 7 = 9. Write the answer 9 in one column.
3. Now move on to the tens column. Since we borrowed 1 from the tens place earlier, the 5 becomes 4. Now subtract 4 – 1 = 3.
4. The final answer of subtracting 17 from 56 is 39.
Real-life Applications of 2 Digit Subtraction
Subtraction, including 2-digit subtraction, has many real-life applications. Here are some real-life applications of 2-digit subtraction:
- Distance and Travel
Travelers subtract the distance covered from the total distance to find the remaining distance. For example, if the destination is 60 miles away, and they have already traveled 30 miles, subtracting 30 from 60 shows that they have to travel 30 miles more to reach their destination. Hence, subtraction is useful for travelers, runners, and hikers.
- Temperature Changes
To calculate temperature changes, we use subtraction. For example, if the temperature in the morning is 76°F, and it drops to 60°F in the evening, subtracting 60°F from 76°F shows a drop in temperature of 16°F. This helps us understand weather patterns.
- Shopping
When we shop, we use subtraction to calculate the balance amount after we purchase an item. For example, if a person has 500rs and spends 450rs, they can use subtraction to find out how much money they have left.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in 2 Digit Subtraction
Solving problems involving 2-digit subtraction can be tricky, especially when we haven’t practiced enough. This is why it’s important to learn about some common mistakes so that they don’t cause trouble while we’re still new at practicing 2-digit subtraction.
Mistake 1
Disarrangement of Place Values
Sometimes, students may not place the digit in the correct place value column. For e.g., placing ones place digit in the tens place column will lead to mistakes.
Students should practice placing digits in the correct place value columns. They should make sure they place ones digit in ones place column, tens digit in tens place column, and so on.
Mistake 2
Borrowing Incorrectly
Some students borrow from the tens place and forget to decrease the tens by 1 after borrowing, which changes the value of the digit.
Students should understand that borrowing from the tens place decreases its value by 1. If the digit in the tens place is 5, it will become 4 after the borrowing happens.
Mistake 3
Forgetting to Borrow
Some students may try to subtract a larger digit from a smaller one without borrowing.
If the digit at the top is smaller than the digit at the bottom, then we should borrow from the next column to make subtraction possible.
Mistake 4
Adding Instead of Subtracting
Sometimes children mistakenly add the numbers instead of subtracting them. For example, 20 - 5 is 15. Sometimes children add them and write the answer as 25
Students should know that subtraction means finding the difference. They can also look at some real life applications of subtraction to understand the concept.
Mistake 5
Misunderstanding Zero in the Minuend
Students may struggle with borrowing when they come across zero in the minuend; they may assume that subtraction is not possible.
Students should know that borrowing can occur across multiple columns; a zero in the minuend can become 10 after borrowing from the next column.
Solved Examples of 2 Digit Subtraction
Problem 1
Rocky had Rs.200. He bought a dress for 1Rs.100. How much money does he have left?
200 – 100 = 100
Explanation
To find how much money is left, subtract the amount spent from the total.
So it is 200 – 100 = 100.
He has ₹100 left.
Problem 2
Subtract 45 – 23?
The answer is 22.
Explanation
First, subtract the ones place: 5 – 3 = 2.
Next, move to the tens place: 4 – 2 = 2.
The final answer is 22.
Problem 3
A jar has 60 cookies. After a party, 30 were eaten. How many cookies are left?
60 – 30 = 30.
Explanation
There were 60 cookies in a jar; after 30 were eaten, 30 remained.
Problem 4
Subtract 55 – 45?
The result is 10.
Explanation
First, subtract the ones place digit 5 – 5 = 0.
Move to the tens place; now 5 – 4 = 1.
So, the final answer is 10.
Problem 5
A bakery has 100 cakes in the morning. By evening, they sold 65 cakes. How many cakes are still left?
100 – 65 = 35
Explanation
After selling 65 cakes, 35 remain in the bakery.
FAQs on 2 Digit Subtraction
1.Can subtraction have negative answers?
2.What happens when we subtract zero from a number?
3.What if I subtract the same number from itself?
4.What is the difference between subtraction and addition?
5.Why is 2 Digit subtraction important in real life ?
6.How can children in United Arab Emirates use numbers in everyday life to understand 2-Digit Subtraction ?
7.What are some fun ways kids in United Arab Emirates can practice 2-Digit Subtraction with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and 2-Digit Subtraction play in helping children in United Arab Emirates develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in United Arab Emirates create number-rich environments to improve 2-Digit Subtraction skills?
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
