Multi-digit subtraction

​When subtracting multi-digit numbers, follow these steps:
1. Write the numbers with the place values lined up.
2. Subtract the digits in the ones place. Regroup, if needed.
3. Subtract the digits in the tens place. Regroup, if needed.
4. Keep going until you have subtracted all of the place values. Continue to move to the next largest place and regroup as needed.

​Subtracting two-digit numbers without regrouping

​Let's try it with 47–23.
First, write the numbers with the place values lined up.

​Now, subtract the digits in the ones place.

​Then, subtract the digits in the tens place.

​So, 47–23=24!

​Subtracting two-digit numbers with regrouping

​Sometimes, you will need to regroup. Let's try it with 52–18.
First, write the numbers with the place values lined up.

​Next, subtract the digits in the ones place. You can't subtract 2–8, so you need to regroup 52! To regroup, remember that 52 is the same as 40+12. Regroup the 5 tens and 2 ones to be 4 tens and 12 ones.

​Now that you've regrouped, you can subtract the digits in the ones place.

​Then, subtract the digits in the tens place.

​So, 52–18=34!

​Subtracting larger numbers

​Follow the same steps to subtract larger numbers. Let's try it with 618–245.
First, write the numbers with the place values lined up.

​Now, subtract the digits in the ones place.

​Next, subtract the digits in the tens place. You can't subtract 1–4, so you need to regroup 618! Regroup the 6 hundreds and 1 ten to be 5 hundreds and 11 tens. Now you can subtract the digits in the tens place.

​Last, subtract the digits in the hundreds place.

​So, 618–245=373!

​Let's try it with even bigger numbers! Subtract 52,041–21,725.
First, write the numbers with the place values lined up.

​Now, subtract the digits in the ones place. You will need to regroup.

​Then, subtract the digits in the tens place.

​Next, subtract the digits in the hundreds place. You will need to regroup.

​Then, subtract the digits in the thousands place.

​Last, subtract the digits in the ten-thousands place.

​So, 52,041–21,725=30,316!