Addition and subtraction within 100, step by step

Once two-digit addition and two-digit subtraction have each been practiced alone, the next step is meeting them together.

The question

87 − 19

19=10+9
8710=77
779=68
  1. 87 − 19, across the line. Split only the 19 — the amount being taken away — and take it off in two goes.
  2. The tens first: 87 − 10 = 77.
  3. Then the ones off what is left: 77 − 9 = 68. Nothing had to borrow, because each go came off the whole number rather than off one place.

How it works.

  1. 01

    87 − 19, across the line. Split only the 19 — the amount being taken away — and take it off in two goes.

  2. 02

    The tens first: 87 − 10 = 77.

  3. 03

    Then the ones off what is left: 77 − 9 = 68. Nothing had to borrow, because each go came off the whole number rather than off one place.