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Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping)

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Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping)
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.B.5

Basics on the topic Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping)

Using Place Value to Subtract – Introduction

We're diving into the world of using place value to subtract with regrouping. This method is essential for understanding how to handle subtraction when the top number is smaller than the bottom number in any place value. Let's get our paper and pencils ready because today, we're going to practice this together!

What Is Place Value Subtraction?

Place value subtraction involves breaking down numbers into tens and ones, then subtracting them. If the top number in any place value is too small, we regroup by borrowing from the next place value.

Here are the steps to tackle subtraction using place value:

Step # Action
1 Represent the first number with tens rods and ones cubes.
2 Subtract the second number starting with the ones place.
3 If there aren't enough ones, regroup by borrowing from the tens place.
4 Subtract the tens place.
5 Count how many tens and ones are left to find the answer.
6 Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem.

Let's practice understanding place value subtraction with a few examples.

Solving Place Value Subtraction Problems – Example

Example 1:

Mr. Squeaks needs to subtract 30 - 16.

Steps to Solve the Problem:

Step # Action Pictorial Representation
1 Represent the first number (30) with tens and ones: 3 tens and 0 ones. 27132SEO1.png
2 Subtract the ones place: 0 - 6. 27132SEO2.png
3 Regroup by borrowing one ten and converting it to ten ones. Now we have 2 tens and 10 ones. 27132SEO3.png
4 Subtract the ones place again: 10 - 6 = 4. 27132SEO4.png
5 Subtract the tens place: 2 - 1 = 1. 27132SEO6.png
6 Combine to get the answer: 1 ten and 4 ones = 14. 27132SEO7.png

Mr. Squeaks has 14 marbles left.

Example 2:

Mr. Squeaks needs to subtract 35 - 27.

Steps to Solve the Problem:

Step # Action
1 Represent the first number (35) with tens and ones: 3 tens and 5 ones.
2 Subtract the ones place: 5 - 7.
3 Regroup by borrowing one ten and converting it to ten ones. Now we have 2 tens and 15 ones.
4 Subtract the ones place again: 15 - 7 = 8.
5 Subtract the tens place: 2 - 2 = 0.
6 Combine to get the answer: 0 tens and 8 ones = 8.

Mr. Squeaks has 8 marbles left.

Solving Place Value Subtraction Problems – Practice

Now, let's put your skills to the test. Solve these problems on your own, and check the solutions when you're ready!

What is 45 - 28?
What is 52 - 29?
What is 60 - 34?
What is 71 - 56?
What is 83 - 47?

Solving Place Value Subtraction Problems – Summary

Key Learnings from this Text:

  • Solving problems using place value with regrouping can be achieved by following these steps:
Step # Action
1 Represent the first number with tens rods and ones cubes.
2 Subtract the second number starting with the ones place.
3 If there aren't enough ones, regroup by borrowing from the tens place.
4 Subtract the tens place.
5 Count how many tens and ones are left to find the answer.
6 Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem.
  • Mastering place value subtraction with regrouping is an important foundational math skill.

Keep practicing these steps, and you'll become a pro at subtracting numbers using place value! Check out more fun math challenges and exercises on our website to continue sharpening your skills.

Solving Place Value Subtraction Problems – Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we use place value for subtraction?
What does it mean to regroup in subtraction?
Can I subtract numbers without regrouping?
What if my final difference seems incorrect?
How can I get better at place value subtraction?

Transcript Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping)

: "Look, Imani! We can use these as furniture!" : "Those are marbles, used in a game." : "Oh, then, teach me how to play, please!" Let's learn about 'Using Place Value to Subtract (regrouping)' to help Mr. Squeaks win the game. There are many strategies to help with subtraction. One of them is using a place value chart. Remember, place value is the value that a number has depending on where it is. When using place value to subtract... ALWAYS start by representing, or showing the first number with tens rods and ones cubes. Then, subtract the second number starting with the ones place... but, what happens if there aren't enough ones to subtract from? You can regroup, or borrow from another place value. We can take a ten from the tens place and move it to the ones place. To do this we must cross off one ten... then move it to the ones place and show it by drawing ten ones. Now we have fourteen ones, and enough to subtract the second number! After this, subtract the second number in the tens place from the first. Here we will subtract zero from the two in the tens place. Finally, count how many tens and ones are left in the place value chart to find the answer! Now that we have learned a bit about place value with regrouping, let's help Mr. Squeaks! While playing, he needs to subtract thirty minus sixteen. Remember, start by representing the first number on the place value chart. We can represent thirty, with three tens and zero ones. Next, subtract the second number from the first by crossing out ones. We have zero ones and need to subtract six, which means we need to regroup! We can do this by crossing out a ten and drawing ten ones in the ones place. Now we can subtract six! After this we need to subtract one ten from the one in sixteen. Finally, we can count how many are left to find our answer! How many marbles did Mr. Squeaks have left? He had fourteen marbles! Mr. Squeaks wants to play again, and this time he needs to subtract thirty-five minus twenty-seven. ALWAYS start by representing, or, showing the first number with tens rods and ones cubes. Thirty-five has three tens and five ones. Next, subtract the second number from the first by crossing out ones. We need to subtract the seven in twenty-seven from the five in thirty-five, but there aren't enough ones... so we must regroup! We need to take one ten from the tens place... and move it to the ones place! Now we can take away seven. After that, we can subtract the two from the tens place. Finally, we can count how many are left to find our answer! How many marbles did Mr. Squeaks have left? He had eight marbles! Before we see if Mr. Squeaks won, let's review. Remember, when using place value to subtract with regrouping... start by representing, or showing the first number with tens rods and ones cubes. next, subtract the second number from the first by crossing out ones. after that, regroup by moving a ten to the ones place. Then, subtract the tens from the second number. Finally, count how many are left to find our answer! And, Mr. Squeaks? Well, he might need help from Imani's beam to get the marbles home.

Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping) exercise

Would you like to apply the knowledge you’ve learned? You can review and practice it with the tasks for the video Using Place Value to Subtract (Regrouping).
  • When do you use regrouping to solve subtraction problems?

    Hints

    You do not need to regroup if you have too many or just enough ones in the ones place to subtract the second number.

    Regrouping moves a ten into the ones place to give you more ones in order to subtract the second number.

    Solution

    It is helpful to regroup if there are not enough ones to subtract the second number.

    Regrouping allows you to break a ten into the ones place so you can then subtract the second number from the ones place.

  • Solve the subtraction problem using regrouping.

    Hints

    Start by regrouping a ten and moving it into the ones place.

    Subtract the 9 from the ones place.

    Count the remaining tens and ones.

    Solution

    48 - 9 = 39

    After regrouping, you can subtract the 9 from the ones and you are left with 9 ones and 3 tens. This makes the number 39.

  • Find the solution to the subtraction problem using regrouping.

    Hints

    You need to regroup in order to solve the problem.

    Subtract five from the ones place and two from the tens place.

    Count the remaining tens rods and ones cubes to find the answer.

    Solution

    63 - 25 = 38

    When you regroup a ten into the ones place you can then subtract 5 from the ones place and 2 from the tens place. You are left with 38.

  • Find the solution to the subtraction problems using regrouping.

    Hints

    If there are not enough ones to subtract the second number, regroup a tens rod into the ones place.

    Use place value blocks to solve the problems. You can draw them on a piece of paper using lines and dots.

    To solve 53 - 27, start by making a place value chart of the number 53 and regrouping a ten into the ones place. You can then subtract 7 ones and 2 tens to find the solution.

    To solve 46 - 8, start by making a place value chart of the number 46 and regrouping a ten into the ones place. You can then the 8 ones to find the solution.

    Solution
    • 53 - 27= 26
    You must regroup one of the tens into the ones place. After subtracting the 7 from the ones place you are left with 6 ones cubes and 2 tens rods. The answer is 26.
    • 46- 8= 38
    You must regroup one of the tens into the ones place. After subtracting the 8 from the ones place you are left with 8 ones cubes and 3 tens rods. The answer is 38.
  • Which place value chart shows the subtraction problem 63 - 17?

    Hints

    Find the chart that took away 1 ten and 7 ones.

    Count the rods in the tens place and find the chart that had 6 tens to begin with.

    The answer should be 46 or 4 tens and 6 ones.

    Solution

    This chart represents 63 - 17.

    To begin there were 6 tens and 3 ones. Then, 1 ten was regrouped to 10 ones. Next, 7 ones were taken away. Lastly, 1 ten was taken away. This left us with 46 or 4 tens and 6 ones.

  • How does regrouping or borrowing help you solve subtraction problems?

    Hints

    Regrouping strategies can be used in both addition and subtraction problems.

    You may use regrouping when there are not enough ones to subtract the second number.

    Solution

    Regrouping moves and breaks apart a ten into the ones place so you can subtract when there are not enough ones to subtract the second number.