Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers
Subtraction of 2-digit numbers means finding how much is left when one 2-digit number is taken away from another. It is the opposite of addition.
We use the column method: write the bigger number on top, the smaller number below, ones under ones and tens under tens. Then subtract from right to left.
Sometimes you need to borrow (regroup) when the top digit in the ones column is smaller than the bottom digit.
What is Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers - Class 2 Maths (Subtraction (Grade 2))?
Subtraction means finding the difference between two numbers. The bigger number goes on top.
Column method:
| Tens | Ones | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | |
| − | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 |
58 − 23 = 35.
Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers Formula
Step 1: Subtract the ones. Step 2: Subtract the tens. (Borrow if top ones digit is smaller)
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: 67 − 34 (no borrowing)
Question: Find 67 − 34.
Think:
- Ones: 7 − 4 = 3
- Tens: 6 − 3 = 3
Answer: 67 − 34 = 33.
Example 2: Example 2: 52 − 28 (with borrowing)
Question: Find 52 − 28.
Think:
- Ones: 2 − 8? Can’t do! Borrow 1 ten from 5 tens.
- 5 tens becomes 4 tens. 2 ones becomes 12 ones.
- Ones: 12 − 8 = 4
- Tens: 4 − 2 = 2
Answer: 52 − 28 = 24.
Example 3: Example 3: Ria’s stickers
Question: Ria had 75 stickers. She gave 43 to her friend. How many are left?
Think:
- “Gave away” means SUBTRACT
- 75 − 43: Ones: 5 − 3 = 2. Tens: 7 − 4 = 3
Answer: Ria has 32 stickers left.
Example 4: Example 4: 80 − 35
Question: Subtract 35 from 80.
Think:
- Ones: 0 − 5? Can’t do! Borrow from tens.
- 8 tens becomes 7 tens. 0 ones becomes 10 ones.
- Ones: 10 − 5 = 5
- Tens: 7 − 3 = 4
Answer: 80 − 35 = 45.
Example 5: Example 5: 96 − 48
Question: Find 96 − 48.
Think:
- Ones: 6 − 8? Can’t do! Borrow.
- 9 tens → 8 tens. 6 ones → 16 ones.
- Ones: 16 − 8 = 8
- Tens: 8 − 4 = 4
Answer: 96 − 48 = 48.
Example 6: Example 6: Aman’s money
Question: Aman had ₹90. He spent ₹56 on a toy. How much is left?
Think:
- 90 − 56: Ones: 0 − 6? Borrow! 9 tens → 8 tens, 0 ones → 10 ones.
- Ones: 10 − 6 = 4. Tens: 8 − 5 = 3
Answer: Aman has ₹34 left.
Example 7: Example 7: Subtract 17 from 43
Question: Find 43 − 17.
Think:
- Ones: 3 − 7? Can’t do! Borrow.
- 4 tens → 3 tens. 3 ones → 13 ones.
- Ones: 13 − 7 = 6. Tens: 3 − 1 = 2
Answer: 43 − 17 = 26.
Key Points to Remember
- Always put the bigger number on top.
- Subtract from right to left (ones first, then tens).
- If the top ones digit is smaller, borrow 1 ten from the tens column.
- After borrowing, the tens digit decreases by 1 and the ones digit increases by 10.
- Check your answer: add the answer to the smaller number. It should give the bigger number.
Practice Problems
- Find 89 − 45.
- Subtract 27 from 63.
- Priya had 74 beads. She used 38 to make a bracelet. How many are left?
- What is 50 − 24?
- Find 91 − 56.
- Dev had ₹85. He gave ₹49 to his sister. How much does he have?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is subtraction of 2-digit numbers?
It means finding how much remains when one 2-digit number is taken away from another. Example: 67 − 34 = 33.
Q2. When do I borrow in subtraction?
Borrow when the ones digit on top is smaller than the ones digit below. You take 1 ten from the tens place and add 10 to the ones place.
Q3. Can I subtract a bigger number from a smaller number in Class 2?
No. In Class 2, the top number (being subtracted from) must be bigger or equal. Negative numbers are taught in higher classes.
Q4. How do I check a subtraction answer?
Add the answer to the number you subtracted. If 67 − 34 = 33, then 33 + 34 should give 67. If it does, your answer is correct.
Q5. What if the ones digits are equal?
Then the ones place of the answer is 0. For example, 48 − 18: Ones: 8 − 8 = 0. Tens: 4 − 1 = 3. Answer: 30.
Q6. Is borrowing and regrouping the same thing?
Yes. "Borrowing" and "regrouping" both mean the same thing — taking 1 ten from the tens place and turning it into 10 ones.
