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:

Step 1: Arrange the numbers in columns, in such a way that the number with the greater value should be on top.
 

Step 2: Arrange the digits according to their place values, ensuring that ones place and tens place are positioned correctly.
 

Step 3: Begin the subtraction from the ones column first, and then go to the tens column.
 

Step 4: Write the final answer below the line as the result.

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:

Step 1: Arrange the numbers according to their place values.
 

Step 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.
 

Step 3: Now move on to the tens place and subtract 3 – 2 = 1.

Therefore, the final difference between 39 and 28 is 11.

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:

Step 1: Arrange the digits of the numbers according to their place values.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 4: The final answer of subtracting 17 from 56 is 39.

Learn simple strategies to make 2-digit subtraction easier and more accurate.These tips help children understand place value, borrowing, and checking their work.

• Always line up digits according to place value (tens and ones).
   
• Start subtracting from the ones place before moving to tens.
   
• Use borrowing carefully when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit.
   
• Visualize numbers with objects or drawings to understand subtraction better.
   
• Double-check your answer by adding the result to the smaller number.

Subtraction, including 2-digit subtraction, has many real-life applications. Here are some real-life applications of 2-digit subtraction: 

Distance and travel - Travelers use subtraction to find the remaining distance they need to cover. For example, if the total distance is 60 miles and they have already traveled 30 miles, subtracting 30 from 60 shows that 30 miles are left to reach their destination.

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.

Time management - Subtraction helps us calculate how much time is left for an event or activity. For example: If a class starts at 10:45 AM and the current time is 10:25 AM, subtracting 25 from 45 shows that 20 minutes are left.

Cooking and baking - Subtraction is used to measure the remaining ingredients. For example: If a recipe needs 50 grams of sugar and you’ve already added 30 grams, subtracting 30 from 50 shows you still need 20 grams.