Subtraction Without Borrowing
Subtraction without borrowing is the simplest type of 2-digit subtraction. The ones digit on top is bigger than or equal to the ones digit below, so you can subtract directly without any regrouping.
This is also called subtraction without regrouping.
What is Subtraction Without Borrowing - Class 2 Maths (Subtraction (Grade 2))?
In subtraction without borrowing, each column can be subtracted directly because the top digit is bigger than or equal to the bottom digit.
Example: 68 − 25
| Tens | Ones | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | |
| − | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 3 |
Ones: 8 − 5 = 3. Tens: 6 − 2 = 4. Answer: 43.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Example 1: 57 − 23
Question: Subtract 23 from 57.
Think:
- Ones: 7 − 3 = 4 (7 is bigger, no borrow)
- Tens: 5 − 2 = 3
Answer: 57 − 23 = 34.
Example 2: Example 2: 89 − 46
Question: Find 89 − 46.
Think:
- Ones: 9 − 6 = 3
- Tens: 8 − 4 = 4
Answer: 89 − 46 = 43.
Example 3: Example 3: 90 − 40
Question: What is 90 − 40?
Think:
- Ones: 0 − 0 = 0
- Tens: 9 − 4 = 5
Answer: 90 − 40 = 50.
Example 4: Example 4: Aditi’s toffees
Question: Aditi has 48 toffees. She eats 12. How many are left?
Think:
- “Eats” means take away → SUBTRACT
- 48 − 12: Ones: 8 − 2 = 6. Tens: 4 − 1 = 3
Answer: Aditi has 36 toffees left.
Example 5: Example 5: 76 − 53
Question: Find 76 − 53.
Think:
- Ones: 6 − 3 = 3
- Tens: 7 − 5 = 2
Answer: 76 − 53 = 23.
Example 6: Example 6: Priya’s flowers
Question: Priya picked 65 flowers. She gave 31 to her teacher. How many does she have?
Think:
- 65 − 31: Ones: 5 − 1 = 4. Tens: 6 − 3 = 3
Answer: Priya has 34 flowers.
Example 7: Example 7: 99 − 66
Question: Subtract 66 from 99.
Think:
- Ones: 9 − 6 = 3
- Tens: 9 − 6 = 3
Answer: 99 − 66 = 33.
Key Points to Remember
- No borrowing is needed when the top ones digit ≥ bottom ones digit.
- Subtract ones first, then tens.
- This is also called subtraction without regrouping.
- The answer is always smaller than or equal to the top number.
- Check by adding the answer to the bottom number.
Practice Problems
- Find 78 − 35.
- Subtract 21 from 54.
- Meera has 69 beads and gives away 47. How many are left?
- What is 85 − 60?
- Find 97 − 74.
- A box has 56 pencils. 32 are taken out. How many remain?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is subtraction without borrowing?
It is subtraction where the top digit in each column is bigger than or equal to the bottom digit. You subtract each column directly without regrouping.
Q2. How do I know if I do not need to borrow?
Look at the ones column. If the top digit is bigger than or equal to the bottom digit, no borrowing is needed.
Q3. Is 58 − 29 without borrowing?
No. In the ones column, 8 − 9 is not possible without borrowing. So 58 − 29 requires borrowing.
Q4. Is 58 − 26 without borrowing?
Yes. In the ones column, 8 − 6 = 2 (no borrow needed). In tens: 5 − 2 = 3. Answer: 32.
Q5. Can the answer be 0?
Yes. If both numbers are the same, the answer is 0. For example, 45 − 45 = 0.
Q6. What comes first — subtraction with or without borrowing?
Children learn subtraction without borrowing first. It is simpler and helps them understand the column method before moving to borrowing.
