3-Digit Subtraction Across Zeros
Use this worksheet to teach 3-digit subtraction across zeros. Work through one example with your student before assigning independent practice. The first number has 3 digits, and the second has 2 digits.
Teaching notes for parents and teachers
Use this worksheet to teach 3-digit subtraction across zeros. Work through one example with your student before assigning independent practice. The first number has 3 digits, and the second has 2 digits.
These problems require regrouping across a zero. Demonstrate each exchange and have your student explain the changed digits.
How to teach it
Use place-value blocks to show the starting number. When there are not enough ones to subtract, exchange one ten for ten ones and record both changes. Model exchanges across a zero one place at a time.
Examples to explain together
Check by addition: 759 + 46 = 805.
Check by addition: 878 + 25 = 903.
If your student needs help
If your student subtracts the smaller digit from the larger regardless of position, return to the starting collection. Show why the subtraction order must stay the same.
Check understanding
Ask your student to add the difference to the amount taken away. Together they should make the starting amount.
Make a practice set
Select the worksheet, answer key, or both. When both are selected, the answer key prints after the questions. Keep it separate if you want your student to work independently.
After your student finishes
Review one problem together. Ask your student to explain the steps, then use the answer key to check the result. Revisit a difficult step before assigning another set.
About 3-Digit Subtraction Across Zeros
Practice 3-digit subtraction across zeros. Focus on accuracy before speed. Use the space provided to record the steps you need. The first number has 3 digits, and the second has 2 digits.
These questions require an exchange through a zero. Follow the exchange from the nearest available place, updating every affected digit.
How to practice
Start in the ones place and subtract corresponding places. If a top digit is too small, exchange one unit from the next place for ten units in the current place. Mark both changes: the giving place decreases by one and the receiving place increases by ten. Continue left, using the changed digits.
Examples to explain together
Check by addition: 759 + 46 = 805.
Check by addition: 878 + 25 = 903.
If your student needs help
Do not reverse the digits just because the lower digit is larger. Subtraction keeps its original order. When a zero is involved, follow the exchange across the places rather than changing every zero independently.
Check understanding
Add the difference to the number subtracted. You should recover the starting number.
Before independent practice
Work through one example together. Ask the student to explain one step, then try a few questions independently. Review the cause of an error before repeating the calculation. Compare the student’s written steps with the answer key where worked steps are provided; a correct answer alone does not show which strategy was used.