This understanding involves decomposing a subtrahend so subtraction first reaches a multiple of ten, then completing the remaining subtraction—for example, viewing as . A number line, ten frame, or place-value representation can show how this partitioning preserves the difference and connects mental subtraction to place-value methods and later subtraction algorithms; the scope is whole numbers within 100, not decimals, fractions, or generalized algebraic strategies.
On this page:
- Learn “Make ten to subtract” with a detailed explanation of the concept
- Master “Make ten to subtract” with unlimited, free practice problems
- Download (or modify) a free worksheet on Make ten to subtract you can use at home or in class with practice problems that scaffold and explore “Make ten to subtract” from different perspectives.
- Start working on adaptive units like “Ten Groups - Subtracting” or “Addition and Subtraction of Integers - 1 and 2 Digit” that introduce, teach, or practice “Make ten to subtract” to maximize your learning.
Detailed Explanation: Make ten to subtract
When you subtract, you can break apart the number you are taking away so you first reach the nearest multiple of ten.
Example: Find .
- Start at . To get to , subtract :
- The we need to subtract has used. There are left:
- Subtract the remaining :
So,
You first made a ten, , and then finished subtracting.
Learn by doing: Make ten to subtract
Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill
Your results
Practice with unlimited practice problems
Practice:
Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture to Answer, With Borrow - Tens and Ones
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Download/Modify Free Grade 2 'Make ten to subtract' Worksheet
Print this free 'Make ten to subtract' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture to Answer, With Borrow - Tens and Ones
- Subtraction - Whole Number 2 x 1 - Columns, With Borrow
- Ten Groups - Subtract, With Borrow, Less than 30
- Subtraction - Whole Number - Subtract 10 from a Number
- Subtraction - Whole Number - Subtract Multiple of 10 from a Number
- Subtraction - Whole Number - Subtract Multiples of 10
- Subtraction - Whole Number - Subtract Multiple of 10 from a Number - Columns
- Base 10 Blocks - Subtracting - Picture (Cross-out) to Answer, No Borrow - Tens and Ones
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Make ten to subtract) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.