Mathematics
Grade 2
15 min
Complete the subtraction sentence - up to two digits
Complete the subtraction sentence - up to two digits
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Find the missing difference in a subtraction sentence (e.g., 45 - 12 = ☐).
Find the missing subtrahend in a subtraction sentence (e.g., 68 - ☐ = 20).
Find the missing minuend in a subtraction sentence (e.g., ☐ - 15 = 30).
Use addition to solve for a missing minuend.
Use subtraction to solve for a missing subtrahend.
Check their subtraction answers using addition.
Solve simple word problems with a missing number.
You have 35 shiny stickers ✨. You give some to a friend. Now you have 20. How many did you give away?
Today, we will be math detectives! 🕵️ We will learn how to find missing numbers in subtraction problems. This is a super useful skill for solving puzzles!
Real-World Applications
Sharing your crayons 🖍️ with a friend.
Eating some cookies...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subtraction SentenceA math problem that uses the minus sign (-) to take away.The sentence 25 - 10 = 15 shows taking 10 away from 25.
MinuendThe number you start with. It is the biggest number in the sentence.In 50 - 20 = 30, the minuend is 50. You started with 50 apples 🍎.
SubtrahendThe number that is being taken away.In 50 - 20 = 30, the subtrahend is 20. You took away 20 apples 🍏.
DifferenceThe answer to a subtraction problem. It is what is left over.In 50 - 20 = 30, the difference is 30. You have 30 apples left.
Missing NumberThe empty box (☐) or blank line we need to fill in.In the problem 18 - ☐ = 10, the missing number is 8.
Fact FamilyA group of math facts that use the same three numbers.For 5, 10, 15: 5 + 10 = 15, 10 + 5 = 15, 15 - 5 = 10, 15 - 10 = 5.
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Core Formulas
Finding the Difference (The Answer)
Minuend - Subtrahend = ☐
Use this when the answer is missing. Just subtract normally!
Finding the Subtrahend (The 'Take Away' Number)
Minuend - Difference = ☐
Use this when the middle number is missing. Subtract the answer from the start number.
Finding the Minuend (The Starting Number)
Difference + Subtrahend = ☐
Use this when the first number is missing. You must add the other two numbers to find the big starting number!
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A baker made 92 muffins. He sold 38 in the morning and 45 in the afternoon. How many muffins were left at the end of the day?
A.83
B.175
C.9
D.19
Challenging
Look at the pattern. What number is missing? 81, 74, 67, __, 53
A.60
B.61
C.59
D.62
Challenging
I am thinking of a secret number. If you take my number and subtract 46, you get the number 39. What is my secret number?
A.7
B.85
C.75
D.95
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