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

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

✏️ Practice

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

🏁 Lesson 7 test

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

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🧗 Take-Away Climber badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 7 lessons of Part 1 · Mental addition & subtraction. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Mental Subtraction Worksheet for Class 2 and 3

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)