Concept 6 of 9
Subtracting with Borrowing
Today's big idea
When the top ones are too small, borrow a ten to make them bigger.
52 − 27: borrow, 2 becomes 12, 12−7=5 → 25.
How it works
👀 What's going on?
52 − 27: you cannot take 7 from 2. What now?
💡 Here's the trick
When the top ones are too small, borrow a ten to make them bigger.
52 − 27: borrow a ten, so 2 becomes 12. 12 − 7 = 5. Tens: 4 − 2 = 2. The answer is 25.
✍️ Try it
63 − 28: borrow, 3 becomes 13. 13 − 8 = 5. Tens 5 − 2 = 3. → 35.
⚠️ Watch out
After you borrow, the tens digit on top drops by one.
Watch me solve one
Quanta solves it
“Watch how I think through one of these — then you try.”
THE PROBLEM
“What is 63 − 28?”
- 1
Ones too small — borrow
You cannot take 8 from 3, so borrow a ten: 3 becomes 13.
- 2
Now subtract
13 − 8 = 5, and the tens are now 5 − 2 = 3.
- 3
Answer ✓
63 − 28 = 35
Now you try one — same steps, different story 👇
See it in action
⚡ Time to play!
The top ones are too small — borrow a ten first.
52 − 27
borrow: 2 becomes 12. 12 − 7 = ?
Quick check
✅ VERIFICATION
What is 71 − 46?
⚡ Finish the activity above first to answer.
Keep going!
Up next: 3-Digit Addition & Subtraction
Hundreds, tens, ones, column by column.