Learn Subtraction without Borrowing for Class 2

What is Subtraction?

Subtraction is the act of removing one number from another. It enables us to ascertain "how much more" or "how much less" is there between two sets. The minus sign (–) is used when we subtract. For instance, if you have 10 chocolates and give 3 to your friend, you have subtracted 3 from 10, or 10 – 3 = 7

The numbers that are used in Class 2 are mostly single-digit numbers, and then gradually, the students are introduced to two-digit numbers. Schools use the column method (numbers written one under the other), and there are simple tricks for subtraction so that children can view numbers en masse. They don't just learn about the numbers; they learn about the value of the numbers, and solving the problems is a much more natural and logical process.

Subtraction Tricks Class 2

There are a number of subtraction tricks class 2 that can make the process easier for students so they can avoid the "borrowing" headache. These techniques help make numbers easier to work with mentally.

1. The Tens–Ones Split 

A basic mental arithmetic skill. We use partitioning to look at a number, e.g., 24, as "tens" and "ones". This will make subtraction much easier, as you will only deal with small numbers at any one time.

• Example: 24 – 12

• First, subtract the tens: 20 – 10 = 10.

• Next, subtract the ones: 4 – 2 = 2.

• Now, add the results together: 10 + 2 = 12.

• The answer is 12.

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2. Line Up and Subtract 

While we want to encourage mental math, having a proper writing habit is vital for school exams. The trick here is to always keep your columns straight so you don't mix up your tens and ones.

• Example: 25 – 13

• Write 25 on top and 13 exactly below it.

• Ones place: 5 – 3 = 2.

• Tens place: 2 – 1 = 1.

• The answer is 12.

3. Number Line Jump

The number line jump is a fantastic easy subtraction tricks for kids who like to see the movement of numbers. Imagine a frog jumping backwards on a scale.

• Example: 18 – 5

• Start at the number 18.

• Take 5 small jumps back: 17, 16, 15, 14, 13.

• You landed on 13!

• The answer is 13.

Read More - 10-Second Addition Tricks for Class 2

4. Count Up Method 

This technique is a cool way to subtract and make it a "fill the gap" game. It can be particularly helpful when the numbers are very close together. Subtract the smaller from the larger number to get the difference.

• Example: 15 – 13

• Start at 13 and count how many steps it takes to reach 15.

• 14, 15.

• That took exactly 2 steps.

• The answer is 2.

5. Use Objects or Blocks

Using LEGO blocks, beads or pencils (even pencils) helps establish a firm basis for the Vedic subtraction. This will make abstract math tangible.

• Example: 22 – 11

• Take 22 blocks.

• Remove 11 blocks (take away a group of 10 and then 1 single block).

• Count the remaining blocks.

• The answer is 11.

6. The Color Method 

Many kids struggle because they get confused between the tens place and the ones place. Using different colours helps the brain to organise the problem instantly.

• Example: 10 – 3

• Draw 10 circles in one colour (e.g., yellow).

• Pick a red crayon and colour 3 of those circles red.

• Count how many yellow circles are left unchanged.

• The answer is 7.

7. The Story Method

Giving numbers a story makes them memorable. When a child can picture a situation, they use their logic instead of just memorising a table.

• Example: "Riya had 21 balloons at her birthday party. 10 of them flew away into the sky. How many balloons does she have now?"

• By thinking about the balloons flying away, the child naturally understands that they need to subtract 10 from 21.

• The answer is 11.

Read More - What is Mental Maths? A Guide for Beginners

Practise Sheet for Subtraction tricks Class 2

Use these exercises to try out the subtraction tricks class 2 you just learned. Try to do these mentally first!

Part A: Fill in the Blanks

• 20 – 10 = _______ (Hint: Use the Tens–Ones Split).

• 15 – 11 = _______ (Hint: Count up from 11).

• 22 – 12 = _______ (Hint: Use the colour method).

• 18 – 7 = _______ (Hint: Jump back 7 steps).

• 25 – 14 = _______ (Hint: Subtract the 10 first, then the 4).

Part B: Word Problems

1. The Toy Shop: Rahul had 20 marbles in a jar. He gave 9 marbles to his sister. How many marbles are left in the jar?

2. Bird Watching: There were 25 birds sitting on a fence. 12 birds flew away to find food. Use the number line jump to find out how many birds are still on the fence.

3. The Cricket Match: A team needs 24 runs to win the game. They have already scored 13 runs. How many more runs do they need to win? 

Part C: Quick Table Challenge

Benefits of Subtraction Tricks Class 2

Then why should kids learn these fast subtraction techniques rather than the way they learned them in school? Here are some reasons why these strategies work:

• Fewer Mistakes: The majority of errors made in Class 2 are due to students' mistakes in borrowing/carrying over. The steps can be skipped to make the math easier and more understandable.

• Better Speed: Students have already learned subtraction skills, and they will be able to get the answer in seconds! They are able to keep up with their speed during timed tests and quizzes.

• Mental Strength: Practising all the tricks will facilitate the brain's moving and storing numbers. This "number sense" is extremely beneficial as students progress in their studies into more complex topics such as algebra.

• Maths Confidence: Many children are afraid of maths due to the complexity of it and how much effort it takes. They begin to feel like ‘maths superstars' when they realise they can solve maths problems in their minds.

• Daily Life Skills: Tips can be used in everyday events like reading the clock, counting money in a store and sharing snacks with friends.

How Does CuriousJr Help with Class 2 Mental Maths?

CuriousJr takes learning the subtraction tricks class 2 to an interactive adventure. CuriousJr Mental Maths Classes aim to build maths in a way that makes it enjoyable and less of a task. Here's how it can assist you:

• Visual Learning: Relies on bright, engaging visuals to help children understand the mental maths subtraction method and to get away from the use of fingers.

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Each lesson of the subtraction method has been subdivided into small, very easy steps that a 7-year-old can learn easily

• Instant Feedback: If a student applies an easy subtraction trick, they will receive instant feedback and a reward, which will encourage the student to try something new.

• Gamified Practice: Children complete math puzzles to progress through fun levels and stories, rather than through workbooks.

• Conceptual Clarity: The platform can help students remember the answers and understand the logic of why a trick works – laying a solid foundation for their learning.