enVision Mathematics Grade 2, Topic 11: Subtract Within 1000 Using Models and Strategies
In this unit, your child subtracts within 1,000, using the same hundreds, tens, and ones models from the adding work. They trade a hundred for 10 tens or a ten for 10 ones when needed, subtract 10 or 100 in their head, and explain each step. After this, the year turns to measuring length.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 11?
- Subtracting three-digit numbers with models and on paper, including regrouping across a zero, as in 500 − 237. Learn more about adding within 1,000: Adding within 1,000 · Learn more about subtracting within 1,000
- Finding 10 less or 100 less than a number in their head, such as 100 less than 315 or 10 less than 304. Learn more: Adding or taking away 10 or 100 mentally
- Explaining why each subtraction step works by place value, and checking an answer by adding it back. Learn more about explaining why addition strategies work: Explaining why addition strategies work · Learn more about explaining why subtraction strategies work
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
A toy store had 450 toy cars and sold 120 of them. How many toy cars are left?
- 320
- 570
- 330
How you can help
- Count down by 100s and then by 10s on a walk, starting at a number like 742, and ask which digit changes each time.
- Ask how many points a player still needs to reach 500 if they have 365, and let your child show the steps on paper.
- Have your child check a subtraction answer by adding: if 631 − 248 = 383, does 383 + 248 make 631?
Where kids can get stuck
- Taking the smaller digit from the larger in each place, so 523 − 168 becomes 445.
- Getting stuck regrouping across a zero, as in 500 − 237, where a hundred must become tens before any ones.
- Saying 100 less than 652 is 642, changing the tens digit instead of the hundreds.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- difference
- The answer when you subtract; it also tells how much more one amount is.
- regroup
- Trading 10 ones for 1 ten, or 1 ten for 10 ones, to add or subtract.
- decompose
- To break a number into parts, like 1 hundred into 10 tens.
- hundreds
- Groups of 100. In 706, the 7 means 7 hundreds, or 700.
- place value
- The value a digit has because of its spot in a number: ones, tens, or hundreds.
- check
- To make sure an answer is right, such as adding back after subtracting.
- mentally
- In your head, without writing it down or using objects.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with subtracting within 1,000?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does enVision Mathematics Grade 2 Topic 11 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 2 Topic 11 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.