1 Go back through ten
Take away 3 to reach 40. You still need to take away 5, because 8 is 3 and 5.
43 − 3 − 5 = 35Year 2
Subtraction • Primary Maths
Year 2 Subtraction
Subtracting can mean taking away or finding a gap. See how both ideas help with 43 − 8.
43 − 6 = 37✓
Maths at a glance
See the Year 2 idea
Ones43 − 6 = 37
Tens68 − 20 = 48
Two digit72 − 35 = 37
Complement100 − 64 = 36
Try it together
Three ways to work out 43 − 8
43 − 8 = ?
2 Subtract ten, add two
43 − 10 = 33
33 + 2 = 35
33 + 2 = 35
Taking away 10 removes 2 too many. Add those 2 back.
43 − 8 = 353 Use a missing addend
8 + □ = 43
8 + 30 + 5 = 43
8 + 30 + 5 = 43
Think of 43 as 8 and a missing part. 8 + 30 is 38, and 5 more reaches 43. The missing part is 35.
8 + 35 = 43, so 43 − 8 = 35Your turn
Have a go
Choose a method. Work it out on paper or with objects, then check below.
1. 32 − 7
Show answer 1
25 — Subtract 2 to reach 30, then subtract the other 5.
2. 54 − 9
Show answer 2
45 — Subtract 10, then add 1 back.
For teachers and parents
Ask, “Why do we add 2 back after subtracting 10?” Show it by taking away ten counters and returning two.
A point to check
Subtracting 10 and then subtracting 2 takes away 12. To take away only 8, put 2 back.
Need an easier starting point?
Start with 13 − 8 using a full ten frame and three extra counters.
Year 2 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.
Choose your practice
- Subtracting across a ten: interactive lesson 36 · worksheet 36
- Using place value: interactive lesson 38 · worksheet 38
The examples and short practice above are free to use. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.
From the Year 2 pathway
Learning focus
Lesson 26Review subtraction facts to 10
Lesson 28Subtraction facts to 20
Lesson 35Subtract ones without crossing 10
Lesson 36Subtract ones across 10
Lesson 37Subtract tens from a two-digit number
Lesson 38Add and subtract two-digit numbers using place value
Key skills
What learners practise
subtraction facts to 10subtraction facts to 20subtract ones without crossing 10subtract ones across 10subtract tens from a two-digit number
Ready to practise Year 2 subtraction?
Choose a lesson from the Year 2 learning pathway.