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: 3 equal groups of 5.

  • 8
  • 10
  • 20
  • 15

Answer: 15. 3 groups of 5 is 3 × 5 = 15.

ProCompare and infer.

If 8 + 7 = 15, then 15 − 7 = ?

  • 8
  • 7
  • 15
  • 9

Answer: 8. Inverse fact family.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

This array has 4 rows of 5 dots. How many more dots are needed to make 26 altogether?

  • 26
  • 20
  • 7
  • 6

Answer: 6. The array has 4 × 5 = 20 dots. To reach 26: 26 − 20 = 6 more.

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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