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Chapter 20: Subtraction Meaning and Strategies

Learn Grade 2 mathematics with very-beginner explanations, original worked examples, practice, reasoning, and review.

Grade 2Very Beginner Friendly10 Examples Per Topic30 Q&APractice + Review
Estimated reading time0% read
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Chapter Overview

This chapter teaches Subtraction Meaning and Strategies with simple explanations, visual thinking, worked examples, practice, and review.

20.1 Subtraction as taking away

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 89 − 67.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 22

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 89 − 67.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 22

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 28 − 14.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 14

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 91 − 77.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 14

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 111 − 11.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 100

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 57 − 54.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 3

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 137 − 37.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 100

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 79 − 12.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 67

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 84 − 36.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 48

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 101 − 32.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 69

20.2 Subtraction as finding the difference

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 112 − 107.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 5

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 98 − 54.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 44

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 124 − 76.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 48

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 90 − 12.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 78

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 26 − 6.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 20

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 130 − 39.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 91

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 31 − 9.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 22

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 94 − 1.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 93

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 87 − 13.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 74

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 54 − 15.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 39

20.3 Subtraction as counting back

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 135 − 97.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 38

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 120 − 53.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 67

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 38 − 30.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 8

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 30 − 1.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 29

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 87 − 51.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 36

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 32 − 12.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 20

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 36 − 20.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 16

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 145 − 75.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 70

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 116 − 74.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 42

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 126 − 29.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 97

20.4 Subtraction as counting up

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 46 − 22.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 24

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 88 − 28.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 60

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 91 − 14.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 77

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 43 − 25.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 18

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 146 − 103.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 43

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 27 − 2.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 25

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 36 − 19.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 17

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 96 − 38.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 58

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 47 − 5.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 42

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 86 − 21.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 65

20.5 Subtraction on a number line

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 43 − 11.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 32

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 87 − 57.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 30

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 44 − 38.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 6

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 120 − 58.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 62

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 28 − 1.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 27

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 25 − 22.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 3

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 46 − 28.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 18

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 79 − 15.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 64

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 145 − 108.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 37

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 64 − 5.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 59

20.6 Using ten frames for subtraction

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 113 − 75.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 38

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 50 − 26.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 24

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 54 − 8.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 46

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 39 − 27.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 12

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 48 − 29.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 19

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 91 − 60.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 31

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 140 − 127.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 13

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 47 − 27.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 20

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 128 − 55.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 73

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 99 − 95.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 4

20.7 Subtracting zero

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 118 − 47.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 71

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 50 − 21.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 29

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 89 − 14.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 75

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 138 − 27.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 111

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 58 − 42.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 16

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 54 − 51.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 3

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 25 − 9.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 16

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 29 − 11.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 18

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 126 − 45.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 81

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 88 − 87.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 1

20.8 Subtracting a number from itself

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 116 − 109.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 7

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 118 − 115.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 3

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 40 − 11.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 29

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 141 − 100.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 41

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 114 − 15.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 99

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 90 − 67.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 23

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 122 − 108.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 14

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 98 − 62.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 36

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 148 − 121.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 27

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 55 − 44.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 11

20.9 Using addition to subtract

Addition combines quantities. Counting on, making ten, drawings, and place value can help. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 23 + 61.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 84

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 47 + 45.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 92

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 66 + 63.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 129

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 34 + 49.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 83

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 59 + 32.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 91

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 27 + 50.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 77

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 68 + 20.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 88

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 30 + 46.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 76

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 43 + 66.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 109

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 46 + 17.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Add tens or make a ten if helpful.
  3. Add the remaining ones.

Very beginner explanation: Addition combines quantities.

Answer: 63

20.10 Writing a subtraction sentence

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 123 − 81.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 42

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 87 − 71.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 16

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 51 − 8.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 43

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 68 − 9.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 59

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 111 − 57.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 54

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 53 − 40.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 13

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 133 − 124.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 9

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 45 − 21.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 24

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 65 − 36.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 29

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 58 − 57.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 1

20.11 Choosing a subtraction strategy

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 86 − 62.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 24

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 118 − 108.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 10

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 60 − 15.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 45

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 52 − 4.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 48

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 98 − 62.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 36

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 28 − 16.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 12

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 119 − 68.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 51

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 143 − 71.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 72

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 39 − 27.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 12

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 82 − 48.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 34

20.12 Checking subtraction

Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer. Use objects, drawings, number lines, tables, or number sentences when useful.

10 Worked Examples with Answers

Worked Example 1

Problem: Find 75 − 45.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 30

Worked Example 2

Problem: Find 87 − 10.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 77

Worked Example 3

Problem: Find 85 − 63.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 22

Worked Example 4

Problem: Find 124 − 78.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 46

Worked Example 5

Problem: Find 94 − 40.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 54

Worked Example 6

Problem: Find 44 − 20.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 24

Worked Example 7

Problem: Find 126 − 118.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 8

Worked Example 8

Problem: Find 39 − 13.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 26

Worked Example 9

Problem: Find 28 − 23.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 5

Worked Example 10

Problem: Find 86 − 4.

  1. Start with the larger number.
  2. Take away or count up.
  3. Check with addition.

Very beginner explanation: Subtraction finds what remains or the difference.

Answer: 82

30 Review Questions and Answers

Q1. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as taking away?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q2. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as finding the difference?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q3. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting back?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q4. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting up?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q5. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction on a number line?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q6. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Using ten frames for subtraction?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q7. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtracting zero?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q8. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtracting a number from itself?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q9. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Using addition to subtract?

Answer: Addition combines quantities. Counting on, making ten, drawings, and place value can help.

Q10. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Writing a subtraction sentence?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q11. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Choosing a subtraction strategy?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q12. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Checking subtraction?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q13. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as taking away?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q14. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as finding the difference?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q15. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting back?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q16. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting up?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q17. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction on a number line?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q18. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Using ten frames for subtraction?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q19. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtracting zero?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q20. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtracting a number from itself?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q21. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Using addition to subtract?

Answer: Addition combines quantities. Counting on, making ten, drawings, and place value can help.

Q22. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Writing a subtraction sentence?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q23. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Choosing a subtraction strategy?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q24. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Checking subtraction?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q25. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as taking away?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q26. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as finding the difference?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q27. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting back?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q28. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction as counting up?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q29. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Subtraction on a number line?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.

Q30. What should a Grade 2 learner understand about Using ten frames for subtraction?

Answer: Subtraction can mean taking away, finding a difference, or finding a missing part. Addition can check the answer.