Column Subtraction Challenge: 3-Digit Take Away 2-Digit! (No Borrowing)

Hello Super Subtractors! You’re doing a fantastic job with column subtraction. Today, we’re going to practice subtracting a 2-digit number from a bigger 3-digit number. It might sound a bit more complicated, but with our trusty column method and no regrouping (or borrowing), it’s actually very straightforward! The most important thing, as always, is lining up our numbers correctly.

Setting Up for Success: Aligning Different Sized Numbers

When we subtract a 2-digit number from a 3-digit number, correct alignment is key!

• Always put the bigger number (the 3-digit number) on top.
• Line up the Ones digits.
• Line up the Tens digits.
• The 2-digit number won’t have a digit in the hundreds place, so that spot under the hundreds digit of the top number will be empty (or you can think of it as a zero).

Let’s Subtract: Example 345 − 32

Here’s how to set it up and solve it:

Step 1: Write the numbers one above the other, aligning carefully. Place the 3-digit number on top. The 2-digit number goes underneath, with its ones digit under the ones digit of the top number, and its tens digit under the tens digit of the top number.

  H T O  (H for Hundreds, T for Tens, O for Ones)
  3 4 5
−   3 2  (Notice the empty space in the hundreds column for 32)
-------  (Draw a line underneath for your answer)

Step 2: Subtract the Ones Column First. Always start with the ‘Ones’ (O) column. In our example, it’s 5 take away 2 (5 − 2). 5 − 2 = 3. Write the answer (3) directly below the ones column.

  H T O
  3 4 5
−   3 2
-------
      3

Step 3: Subtract the Tens Column Next. Now move to the ‘Tens’ (T) column. In our example, it’s 4 take away 3 (4 − 3). 4 − 3 = 1. Write the answer (1) directly below the tens column.

  H T O
  3 4 5
−   3 2
-------
    1 3

Step 4: Subtract the Hundreds Column (or bring it down!). Finally, look at the ‘Hundreds’ (H) column. We have a 3 from 345. There’s no hundreds digit in 32 to subtract (it’s like a 0 there). So, 3 take away 0 (or just “bring down the 3”) is 3. Write the answer (3) directly below the hundreds column.

  H T O
  3 4 5
−   3 2
-------
  3 1 3

So, 345 − 32 = 313! You did it! The key was careful alignment.

Remember, for all the questions on this page, each digit on top will be bigger than or the same as the digit below it in each column, so no borrowing is needed.

Practice Your Mixed-Digit Column Subtraction! (18 Questions)

Ready to show how well you can align and subtract? Here are 18 questions where you’ll subtract a 2-digit number from a 3-digit number. Line them up perfectly, start with the ones, then subtract the tens, and finally the hundreds! No borrowing required for these ones!

(Your web app with the 18 questions will go here. The app should ideally allow or show clear columnar alignment.)

Why is This Type of Column Subtraction Useful?

• Builds Strong Place Value Habits: It forces you to think carefully about ones, tens, and hundreds.
• Prepares for Real-Life Subtraction: Often numbers aren’t the same size in real problems.
• Improves Accuracy: Good alignment means fewer mistakes.
• A Step Towards More Complex Problems: This builds your skills for subtraction with regrouping with these types of numbers.

Guidance for Grown-Ups: Focusing on Correct Setup

When subtracting a 2-digit number from a 3-digit number without regrouping, the biggest hurdle for children is often setting up the problem correctly with proper place value alignment.

• Always Use H T O Headings: For Hundreds, Tens, and Ones. This visual cue is vital.
• Emphasise “Ones under Ones, Tens under Tens”: Make this a mantra.
• The “Empty” Hundreds Spot: Explain that the 2-digit number has ‘zero’ hundreds, so nothing is subtracted from the hundreds digit of the 3-digit number in that column unless borrowing from hundreds occurs (which it doesn’t in these non-regrouping problems).
• Work from Right to Left: Consistently subtract the ones, then tens, then hundreds.
• Squared Paper is Your Friend: Using maths books with squares or providing squared paper helps children keep their columns neat and aligned.