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V.1 Subtract a one-digit number from two-digit number

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What is subtraction with two-digit numbers?

Subtraction means taking away. When we subtract a one-digit number from a two-digit number, we find out how much is left.

Example:
  • 34 − 5 = ?
Note

Always check that the first number (the minuend) is a two-digit number and the second number (the subtrahend) is a one-digit number.

How do we solve using the break apart strategy?

The break apart strategy means we split the smaller number into parts that are easy to subtract from the bigger number.

Steps:
  • Start with 34 − 5
  • Break apart 5 into 4 and 1 (because 34 has 4 ones)
  • Subtract 4 first: 34 − 4 = 30
  • Subtract 1 more: 30 − 1 = 29
Note

Breaking apart helps make subtraction easier by using tens and ones.

More examples

Here are more examples of two-digit numbers minus one-digit numbers using the break apart strategy:

Examples:
  • 52 − 7 → Break apart 7 into 2 and 5 → 52 − 2 = 50 → 50 − 5 = 45
  • 46 − 8 → Break apart 8 into 6 and 2 → 46 − 6 = 40 → 40 − 2 = 38
  • 71 − 9 → Break apart 9 into 1 and 8 → 71 − 1 = 70 → 70 − 8 = 62
Note

Think about how many ones are in the two-digit number. Break the smaller number into parts that help you subtract down to the nearest ten first.

Using subtraction in sentences

We can use subtraction in real-world problems to solve everyday questions.

Examples:
  • “I had 34 apples. I gave 5 away. How many are left?” → 34 − 5 = 29
  • “There were 52 birds in the tree. 7 flew away. How many are still there?” → 52 − 7 = 45
  • “A box holds 46 pencils. 8 were taken out. How many are still inside?” → 46 − 8 = 38
Note

Always reread the problem after solving to make sure your answer makes sense in the story.

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