CCSS.MATH.2.NBT.B.5 / TEKS 2.4.C.3✓ Department for Education (DfE) / Ofqual AlignedAcademic Year 2026–27
Multi-Digit Subtraction with Decomposition
Subtract multi-digit numbers by decomposing across multiple place values and zeros.
Why It Matters:Used daily in calculating change, tracking fuel burn, and reconciling financial balances.
Curated Video Instruction
● Verified Active EmbedSTEP-BY-STEP PROOF
Worked Example
Calculate 502 - 267 with decomposition across zero:
1
Decompose hundreds into tens
5 hundreds become 4 hundreds and 10 tens
Tens column has 0, so borrow from hundreds first.
2
Decompose tens into ones
10 tens become 9 tens and 12 ones
Borrow 1 ten to make 2 ones into 12 ones.
3
Execute column subtractions
12 - 7 = 5, 9 - 6 = 3, 4 - 2 = 2
Final difference is 235.
✓Verification Check
Verify by addition: 235 + 267.
235 + 267 = 502
•
502 = 502
⚠️ Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Subtracting smaller digit from larger regardless of position
✗ Calculating 502 - 267 as (7 - 2 = 5) and (6 - 0 = 6)✓ Always subtract bottom digit from top digit after borrowing if necessary
Subtraction is not commutative.
INTERACTIVE DRILLS
Guided Practice
Practice Question1 of 1
Step-by-step Feedback
What is 700 - 348?
MASTERY BENCHMARK
Official Assessment Quiz
Formal Assessment
Multi-Digit Subtraction with Decomposition
Passing Criteria:70% or higher
Question 1 of 1
What is the result of 1,000 - 425?
Education to Career Navigation
Where This Lesson Leads
Accountants, Pilots, and Financial Analysts compute differences continuously.