Subtraction (Year 2)

Subtract numbers with regrouping using column methods and number lines.

The questions below are generated to match the National Curriculum for Year 2 and get harder as you progress from Rookie to Guru.

Worked examples

RookieRead and interpret directly.

Find the total: 2 equal groups of 2.

  • 2
  • 6
  • 4

Answer: 4. 2 groups of 2 is 2 × 2 = 4.

ProCompare and infer.

23 + 14 = ?

  • 37
  • 36
  • 38
  • 27

Answer: 37. Partition: tens + tens, ones + ones.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

Why does 25 + 25 = 50?

  • Double 25 — two equal groups of 25.
  • Just memorise.
  • 25 is half of 50.
  • Magic.

Answer: Double 25 — two equal groups of 25.. Doubling.

Related skills

Frequently asked questions

What is subtraction?
Subtract numbers with regrouping using column methods and number lines.
How can my child practise subtraction at home?
Work through the examples below, then start a free adaptive session. Northstar adjusts the difficulty automatically and tracks mastery over time.

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