Subtraction for 9-Year-Olds: Double Digit Top Numbers with Small Single Digit Bottom Numbers

Understanding Subtraction with Double-Digit Top Numbers

Hi Madisyn! Let's learn how to subtract numbers where we have a double-digit number on top and a small single-digit number at the bottom. For example, if we want to solve 54 - 7, follow these simple steps:

1. Step 1: Write the numbers down. Start with the bigger number (the top number) on top and the smaller number (the bottom number) directly below it.
2. Step 2: Line up the numbers. Make sure the digits are lined up correctly. The tens place is above the tens place, and the ones place is above the ones place.
3. Step 3: Subtract the ones first. Look at the ones column. In our example, you have 4 (from 54) and you want to subtract 7. Since 4 is smaller than 7, we need to borrow from the tens column.
4. Step 4: Borrowing. When you borrow from the tens column, the 5 in the tens column becomes 4, and the 4 in the ones column becomes 14 (because you added 10). Now you can subtract: 14 - 7 equals 7.
5. Step 5: Subtract the tens column. Now you go back to the tens column. You have 4 remaining (from 54), and you don't have to subtract anything from it since there’s nothing below. So it stays 4.
6. Step 6: Write down your answer. Now put together the numbers from the tens and ones columns. You have 47. So, 54 - 7 = 47.

And that’s it! You’ve got it! If you want to try another problem, how about 63 - 8? Remember to follow the same steps!