Triple Digit Subtraction (Vertical)
30 subtraction problems with three-digit numbers, stacked in columns on three pages. Every problem needs at least one borrow, and nearly half need two. Many have a zero in the top number, like 550 − 191 or 503 − 158. It's for 3rd graders and strong 2nd graders.
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Borrowing twice in one problem
In 550 − 191, the ones borrow first: the 5 tens becomes 4 and the 0 becomes 10, so 10 − 1 = 9. The tens have to borrow too, since 4 is less than 9. The 5 hundreds becomes 4 and the tens become 14, so 14 − 9 = 5. Then 4 − 1 = 3, and the answer is 359.
Students who borrow correctly once often forget that the tens digit changed. They see the original 5 and subtract 9 from 15 instead of 14. Crossing out each digit and rewriting it as it changes keeps the working numbers in view.
For a gentler start with the same steps, try double-digit subtraction with regrouping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade learns three-digit subtraction with regrouping?
2nd graders subtract within 1,000, and 3rd graders are expected to do it fluently.
What do you do with a zero in the tens place, like 503 − 158?
The ones need to borrow, but the tens have nothing to give. Borrow from the hundreds first: 5 hundreds becomes 4, and the tens become 10. Then take one of those tens for the ones, leaving 9 tens and 13 ones. The answer is 345.
Is there another way to subtract these?
Counting up works well. For 954 − 418, go from 418 to 420 (that's 2), then to 900 (480 more), then to 954 (54 more). 2 + 480 + 54 = 536.