2 Digit Subtraction - Easy Steps & Practice Questions

2 Digit Subtraction

2 Digit Subtraction means subtracting numbers that have two digits each. In this method, we use the place values of tens and ones to solve the problem step by step. By lining up the numbers properly as per their place values, 2 digit subtraction becomes easy and more accurate.

In 2 digit subtraction or in simple subtraction, we use special names for the numbers, which are: Minuend (the number from which we subtract), Subtrahend (the number we subtract), and Difference (the answer we get after subtraction).

Also read: Multiplying Decimals

What is 2 Digit Subtraction?

Subtraction is one of the four main arithmetic operations in maths. 2 digit subtraction in mathematics means subtracting one two-digit number from another. To make it easy, we use the place values of ones and tens while solving.

We use 2 digit subtraction in many daily life situations. For example, when you buy something for INR 75 and give INR 40 to the shopkeeper, you subtract to know how much money is left. Learning this helps children improve their mental calculation skills as well. They also learn 2 digit subtraction without regrouping and with borrowing in an easy way.

2 Digit Subtraction Formula and Easy Steps

2 digit subtraction questions can be solved by using place values of tens and ones. To make subtraction easy, we follow a proper method where the numbers are written in columns and subtracted step by step.

 The formula for 2-digit subtraction is: Minuend – Subtrahend = Difference. Let's understand the 2 digit subtraction with a step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Write the numbers in columns, like tens under tens and ones under ones.

• Step 2: Start the 2 digit subtraction with the ones place. Subtract the digit in the ones column.

• Step 3: Move to the tens place to subtract the digit in the tens column.

• Step 4: Write the difference as a final answer.

It is important to note that in 2 digit subtraction, if the digit in the ones place is smaller than the number below it, borrowing is needed from the tens place. This is called regrouping or 2 digit borrow subtraction. Let's learn about it in detail.

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2 Digit Subtraction with Regrouping

2 digit subtraction with regrouping or 2 digit borrow subtraction method is used when the digit in the ones place of the minuend (top number) is smaller than the digit in the subtrahend (bottom number). 

In this case, because we cannot subtract directly, we need to borrow 1 from the tens place to make the ones place number bigger. Let's understand 2 digit subtraction with the regrouping method with an example:

Example: Subtract 27 from 64.

Solution:

Here is what you need to do to solve 2 digit borrow subtraction question:

1. Arrange the numbers in columns: tens under tens and ones under ones.

2. Subtract the ones place: 4 – 7. Since 4 is smaller than 7, borrow 1 from the tens column. Now the ones place becomes 14. So, 14 – 7 = 7. Write 7 under the ones column.

3. Subtract the tens place. After giving 1 to the ones place, the tens digit 6 becomes 5.
   So, 5 – 2 = 3. Write 3 under the tens column.

4. The final answer you will get is 64 – 27 = 37.

Read More: Before Number Concept

2 Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping

2 Digit Subtraction without Regrouping method is used when each digit in the top number (minuend) is bigger than the digit below it (subtrahend). In this case, we can subtract directly without borrowing. Let's understand 2 digit subtraction without regrouping with an example:

Example: Subtract 42 from 65.

Solution:

Here is what you need to do to solve 2 digit subtraction without regrouping question:

• First, arrange the numbers in columns like tens under tens and ones under ones.

• Then, subtract the ones place: 5 – 2 = 3. Write 3 under the ones column.

• After it, subtract the tens place: 6 – 4 = 2. Write 2 under the tens column.

• Your final answer will be: 65 – 42 = 23.

2 Digit Addition and Subtraction

2 digit addition and subtraction is the method of adding or subtracting numbers that have two digits. While solving questions with 2 digit addition and subtraction, the given numbers must be written in the right places so that tens are aligned with tens and ones with ones, which makes it easy to add or subtract correctly.

• In 2-digit addition, if the sum of digits in any column is less than ten, we simply add them directly. If the sum is more than nine, we carry over the extra to the next column.

• Whereas, in 2-digit subtraction, if the digit on top is bigger than the digit below in each column, we subtract directly. If the top digit is smaller, we borrow one from the next column to make subtraction possible.

Understanding 2 digit addition and subtraction helps you understand place values and improves your overall understanding of such operations for more advanced math problems in higher classes.

Read More:  Successor and Predecessor

2 Digit Subtraction Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning 2 digit subtraction, children often make some common mistakes, such as:

Writing Numbers in the Wrong Place Values

While solving 2 digit subtraction questions, you may put the ones digit in the tens place or the tens digit in the ones place, which gives a wrong answer. So, always make sure the ones and tens digits are placed correctly as per their place values.

Borrowing Incorrectly

When you borrow, don’t forget to reduce the tens digit by 1. Borrowing means decreasing the tens digit by 1 and increasing the ones digit by 10.

Forgetting to Borrow

If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, subtracting directly is wrong. In such questions, use methods like 2 digit borrow subtraction to get the right answer.

Confusing with Zero in the Minuend

When there is a 0 in the ones place of the top number, you may think subtraction is impossible. But using 2 digit borrow subtraction, you can borrow from the tens place to turn the 0 into 10 to continue the subtraction.

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2 Digit Subtraction Practice Questions With Solutions

2 digit subtraction practice questions help you understand how to solve such questions step by step. These practice questions cover both 2 digit subtraction without regrouping and 2 digit borrow subtraction, so you can practice easily and improve your calculation skills:

Practice Question 1: Calculate the difference between 46 and 23.

Solution:

• Subtract the ones place: 6 - 3 = 3

• Subtract the tens place: 4 - 2 = 2

• Final answer: 23

Practice Question 2: Subtract 58 from 72.

Solution:

• In the ones place, there is 2 - 8, which cannot be subtracted, so borrow 1 from the tens place. One's place becomes 12, and the tens place reduces to 6. Do the subtraction: 12 - 8 = 4

• Now for the tens place: 6 - 5 = 1

• Final answer: 14

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