Grade 2Matheasy
Grade 2 Easy Subtraction Practice
This worksheet provides practice with basic subtraction problems using numbers 0-20, starting with simple single-digit problems and progressing to two-digit subtraction.
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What Your Child Will Learn
- Solve single-digit subtraction problems with numbers 0-10 using counting strategies or mental math
- Complete two-digit subtraction problems within 20 without regrouping
- Apply subtraction facts to find differences between numbers in the 0-20 range
- Demonstrate understanding of subtraction as 'taking away' through problem-solving practice
How to Use This Worksheet
- Step 1: Start with the single-digit subtraction problems at the beginning, allowing your child to use fingers or small objects if needed
- Step 2: Encourage your child to read each problem aloud, saying 'minus' as 'take away' to reinforce the concept
- Step 3: Progress to the two-digit subtraction problems, showing how to count backwards from the larger number
- Step 4: Check each answer together and if incorrect, work through the problem again using a different strategy like drawing pictures or using a number line
- Step 5: Celebrate completion of all 15 problems and review any that were challenging to build confidence
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Watch for students who count up instead of counting back - model using manipulatives like blocks or fingers to physically 'take away' objects to reinforce the subtraction concept
If your child struggles with two-digit problems like 15-3, encourage them to use a number line or start with the larger number and count backwards
Look out for confusion between addition and subtraction symbols - have your child read each problem aloud as 'take away' before solving
For problems where the answer is zero (like 8-8), help your child understand this means 'nothing is left' rather than skipping the problem
Frequently Asked Questions
My child keeps adding instead of subtracting - how can I help them remember the difference?
This is very common! Emphasize the language - say 'take away' instead of 'minus' and use physical objects to show removing items. Have them cover up or hide the objects they're taking away rather than adding more.
Should my second grader memorize subtraction facts or is it okay to count?
At this stage, counting strategies are perfectly appropriate! Focus on understanding the concept first. Speed and memorization will come naturally with practice. Encourage counting backwards, using fingers, or drawing pictures.
What if my child gets frustrated with the two-digit problems like 18-5?
Break it down into smaller steps. Start with 18 on a number line and count back 5 spaces together, or use groups of 10 (like 18 = 10 + 8, so take 5 from the 8 first). These problems don't require regrouping, so keep it simple.
How can I tell if my child really understands subtraction or is just guessing?
Ask them to explain their thinking out loud or show you with objects. A child who understands will be able to tell you they started with one number and took away another, and can demonstrate this process consistently.
My child can do 10-3 but struggles with 13-3 - what's the difference?
The teen numbers can be tricky because they don't follow the same naming pattern. Practice counting backwards from teen numbers regularly, and help them see that 13 is just 10+3, so 13-3 brings them back to 10.
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