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      New
      New

      Subtract from a 2-digit number using column subtraction with regrouping

      I can subtract from a 2-digit number using column subtraction with regrouping.

      Lesson 3 of 5
      New
      New
      • Year 3

      Subtract from a 2-digit number using column subtraction with regrouping

      I can subtract from a 2-digit number using column subtraction with regrouping.

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. Start with the numbers with the smallest place value.
      2. Regroup when the ones digit of the subtrahend is greater than the ones digit of the minuend.
      3. Change the number of ones and tens in the minuend.

      Keywords

      • Column subtraction - Column subtraction is a way of subtracting numbers by writing a number below another.

      • Regroup - The process of unitising and exchanging between place values is known as regrouping.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may not understand column subtraction. They may use regrouping without grasping the reasoning behind the algorithm.

      Ensure that pupils understand the purpose of regrouping and the value of the numbers when they are using column subtraction. Spend more time using base ten blocks with regrouping if pupils are not ready to progress onto the formal algorithm.

      In this lesson, pupils use column subtraction to regroup for calculations where the ones number of the subtrahend is greater than the ones number of the minuend. Take time using base 10 blocks to show this process alongside the written method to support understanding.
      Teacher tip

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which number in the column subtraction is the minuend?

      An image in a quiz
      41
      44
      Correct answer: 85

      Q2.
      Which number in the column subtraction is the subtrahend?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 41
      44
      85

      Q3.
      Calculate the missing difference using the column subtraction.

      An image in a quiz
      14
      Correct answer: 24
      26
      86

      Q4.
      Calculate the missing difference using the column subtraction.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 134, one hundred and thirty-four

      Q5.
      What is the missing tens digit?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 2, two

      Q6.
      What is the missing subtrahend?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 232, two hundred and thirty-two

      Assessment exit quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A ten has been regrouped into 10 ones. What number is represented by the base ten blocks?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 44, forty-four

      Q2.
      In which of these calculations would you need to regroup?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Calculate the difference.

      An image in a quiz
      37
      45
      Correct answer: 47
      63

      Q4.
      What is the missing subtrahend?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 8, eight

      Q5.
      Calculate the difference.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 28
      32
      38
      96

      Q6.
      What is the missing subtrahend?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: 16

      Lesson appears in

      UnitMaths / Column subtraction