Subtraction Practice
Subtraction asks a different question than addition: not "what do these make together," but "what's left, or what's the gap between them." Kids often find it trickier because it isn't as forgiving of order — 9 − 4 and 4 − 9 are not the same problem. This game keeps every subtraction problem set up so the answer is never negative, and lets kids build speed at the skill through short, repeatable rounds.
Difficulty
Round Length
How to solve a subtraction problem step by step
Here's a full worked example, the same way it's worth talking through a problem out loud at home:
- Line the numbers up by place value, larger number on top.
- Start with the ones column: 2 − 5 can't be done without borrowing, so borrow 1 ten from the 8, making it 12 − 5 = 7.
- The tens column is now 7 (borrowed from) − 3 = 4.
- Read the columns together: the answer is 47.
Borrowing is to subtraction what carrying is to addition — the step that separates a solid subtractor from one who's only comfortable with easy cases.
Tips for practicing subtraction
It helps to connect subtraction back to addition explicitly: ask "what plus 4 makes 9?" alongside "what's 9 minus 4?" so the child sees they're the same fact viewed two ways. Counting back on fingers or a number line is a completely normal stage — the goal of regular practice here is to gradually make that scaffolding unnecessary, not to skip it.
Want a structured plan instead of just one game? Read our full guide to math practice for kids for a level-by-level approach.
More games to try:
Common questions about subtraction
Why does my child get subtraction facts right one day and wrong the next?+
Inconsistency like this usually means the fact is only "known" when supported by counting or a number line, not yet automatic. More short, low-pressure rounds — not more explanation — is what closes that gap.
Should I teach borrowing before or after basic subtraction facts are solid?+
After. Borrowing adds a procedural step on top of the fact itself — if the underlying facts aren't fluent yet, borrowing just becomes one more thing to get wrong.