Mental maths · lesson 7 of 28 · free

Subtract 2-digit numbers left to right — Mental Maths Mastery

Subtract in two small steps. First take away the tens of the second number, then its ones. No borrowing to remember!

How to do it in your head

Tens first — “take away the tens, then the ones”

  1. Keep the first number as it is.
  2. Take away the tens of the second number.
  3. Take away the ones (bridge back through a ten if you need to).

Use it for: How many are left, how much more, and checking change in your head.

Worked example: 83 − 47 = 36

  1. Split 47 into 40 and 7.
  2. 83 − 40 = 43.
  3. 43 − 7 = 36.

Check: 36 + 47 = 83 ✓

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 7 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Mental Subtraction Worksheet for Class 2 and 3

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