K-5 friendly lesson
One small step at a time.Read the idea, try the activity, and celebrate each win as you go.

Subtract 2-Digit Vertical Numbers (With Regrouping!)

🚨 The hardest trick! It's time to perform the "Borrow from the Neighbor" magic using giant 2-digit numbers entirely on paper.

Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.

Lesson 68 of 186

Concept

This is it. The ultimate subtraction showdown.

🎯 The Two-Digit Borrowing Code:
Example: 72 - 38 = ?
  7 2
- 3 8
--------
1. The Floor Check: Are there more on the floor? Yes! 8 is bigger than 2! We must borrow.
2. Knock Next Door: Cross out the 7 in the Tens place. Reduce it by one to a 6. It lent you a Ten!
3. Gift the Ten: Give the 10 to the 2. Cross out the 2 and write a tiny 12 above it.
4. Subtract the Ones: 12 - 8 = 4. (Write 4).
5. SUBTRACT THE TENS: The neighbor is a 6 now. We have to subtract the bottom 3 from it!
   6 - 3 = 3. (Write 3).
6. Answer: 34!

Try it

Knock next door and pay it back!

Instructions: Borrow a 10. Then remember to subtract the bottom number from the NEW smaller neighbor!

Problem 1: 6 4 - 2 9 -------- * Borrow from the 6! Make it a 5. * Give it to the 4! Make it a 14. * Ones: 14 - 9 = ___ * Tens: 5 - 2 = ___ * Answer: ___

Problem 2: 8 3 - 4 7 -------- * Answer: ___

Problem 3: 5 1 - 3 6 -------- * Answer: ___

Problem 4: 9 0 - 5 2 -------- * (Hint: Yes, you can borrow from a 9 to make the 0 a 10!) * Answer: ___