You are Here: Home » Math Tricks » Easy 2-digit subtraction tricks

Easy 2-digit subtraction tricks

Subtraction Tricks!

  
Quick subtraction of 2 digit numbers
  
Subtract both the ten’s and one’s place straight down.  If the one’s is negative, subtract 1 from the ten’s place result, and add 10 to the negative result in the one’s place. These are the ten’s and ones digit of your answer – see the example steps below:
  

1. Put the larger number on top, subtract the one’s and ten’s places straight down (it is ok to get a negative value in the one’s place!)
    63      6  3
  –26     -2  6
            4 (-3)

If the one’s place is negative
2. ten’s place: 4 – 1 = 3
3. one’s place: (-3) + 10 = 7
4. The answer is 37

If the one’s place is NOT negative – you are DONE – no trick needed… you have the answer!