Subtract within 1000
Subtracting bigger numbers is how your child works out how far apart two amounts are, and it turns up whenever something is compared or used up. In 4th grade the same thinking stretches into the thousands, and it is part of most word problems with more than one step. So it is worth the time now. You’ll see it with pages left in a book, how much taller one thing is than another, or money still to save.
In this video, your child will learn to subtract three-digit numbers.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
523 − 187 = ?
Example 2
704 books, 215 checked out. How many books are left?
Your child's turn
700 − 213 = ?
The three key steps
- 1Start by subtracting the ones.
- 2Not enough? Break one.
- 3No tens? Break a hundred first.
Mistakes to listen for
- Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in every column, so 503 - 267 comes out as 364 instead of 236.
- Losing track when the top number has zeros, so 400 - 156 lands on 254 instead of 244.
- Adding when a question asks how many more, so “How many more is 420 than 285?” comes out as 705 instead of 135.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to subtracting within 1,000 →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 3rd grade Numbers & Place Value, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice subtracting within 1,000, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to subtracting within 1,000 has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice subtracting within 1,000
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on subtracting within 1,000 and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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