Subtraction for Class 1: Easy Guide with Examples

Subtraction for Class 1 shows children how to find how many are left when some things are taken away. Using everyday examples like apples in a basket or toys on a mat, students physically remove counters, cross out pictures, or move objects to another pile while saying sentences such as “We had 5, we took away 2, now 3 are left.” In this guide you will learn subtraction of 1‑digit numbers from 2‑digit numbers without regrouping and subtraction of two 2‑digit numbers without regrouping. You will also learn clear ways to show these using objects, pictures, and number lines.

Table of Contents

• Subtracting a 1-Digit Number from a 2-Digit Number for Class 1
• Subtracting Two 2-Digit Numbers for Class 1
• Number Stories: Solving Subtraction Word Problems for Class 1
• Frequently Asked Questions of Subtraction for Class 1

Subtracting a 1-Digit Number from a 2-Digit Number for Class 1

We use the column method, where numbers are arranged neatly by place value: Tens (T) and Ones (O), before subtracting.

Example 1: Subtract 6 from 58

Step 1: Arrange by place value

Write the greater number on top and the smaller number below it, lining up the ones and tens columns.

T O

5 8

6

──────

Step 2: Subtract the ones digits 8 − 6 = 2

T O

5 8

6

──────

2

Step 3: Bring down the tens digit

Since there is nothing to subtract from 5 in the tens place, we simply bring it down.

T O

5 8

6

──────

5 2

So, 58 − 6 = 52.

Example 2: Subtract 7 from 88

Arrange and subtract the ones, bring down the tens. 8 − 7 = 1 in the ones place, and the 8 in the tens place is brought down as it is. 88 − 7 = 81.

T O

8 8

7

──────

8 1

Subtracting Two 2-Digit Numbers for Class 1

To subtract two 2-digit numbers using the column method, subtract both the ones and the tens columns.

Example 1: Subtract 61 from 87

Step 1: Arrange by place value

T O

8 7

6 1

──────

Step 2: Subtract the ones digits

7 − 1 = 6

Step 3: Subtract the tens digits

8 − 6 = 2

T O

8 7

6 1

──────

2 6

So, 87 − 61 = 26.

Example 2: Subtract 35 from 89

Ones column: 9 − 5 = 4. Tens column: 8 − 3 = 5. 

T O

8 9

3 5

──────

5 4

So, 89 − 35 = 54.

Number Stories: Solving Subtraction Word Problems for Class 1

Subtraction is often not shown directly as “subtract 6 from 57". Instead, it is hidden inside short stories called number stories. The key is to spot the words that tell you subtraction is needed.

Keywords for Subtraction:

 

Example 1: Rohan had ₹47 in his piggy bank. He spent ₹24 on a birthday gift for his friend. How much money is left with him?

Solution:

Money with Rohan = ₹47; money spent = ₹24.

Money left = 47 − 24 = ₹23.

T O

4 7

2 4

──────

2 3

Rohan has ₹23 left with him.

Example 2: Sonia bought 65 stickers to make greeting cards. She used 45 of the stickers. How many stickers are left with her?

Solution:

Number of stickers bought = 65

Number of stickers used = 45

Number of stickers left = 65 - 45 = 20

T O

6 5

4 5

──────

2 0

Sonia has 20 stickers left with her.

Here's a set of questions for practice. 

Practice Worksheet: Subtraction for Class 1 (Free Download). Improve your maths skills with this Subtraction for Class 1 worksheet.