X Tables
subtraction

Why borrowing is not stealing

Rename subtraction regrouping in a way that makes mathematical sense.

Quick answer

Borrowing in subtraction is not stealing – it's just a way of renaming numbers to make subtraction easier. When we borrow, we're moving a group of items from one place to another, like splitting a bag of 10 apples into two smaller bags.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand that borrowing in subtraction is a helpful way to rename numbers, not taking anything away from you. Success signs:
  • You can explain that borrowing is just renaming numbers
  • You can show how to borrow using visual objects
  • You can solve subtraction problems with borrowing
  • You can tell a grown-up why borrowing is not stealing

Why this matters

Subtraction with borrowing is a big part of maths that helps you solve problems like:
  • How many sweets are left if you start with 14 and eat 9?
  • How much money do you have left if you buy something that costs £13 with £20?
  • How many blocks are left if you start with 25 and take away 18?
This skill helps you in real life when you need to share, save, or work out how much you have left. It's also important for learning more advanced maths like fractions and decimals.

How it works

Let's look at how borrowing works step by step: Step 1: You have a number like 14 and you want to take away 9.
  • You can't take 9 away from 4, so you need to borrow
  • You take one group from the tens (10) and give it to the ones
  • Now you have 10 ones and 3 tens
Step 2: Now you can subtract easily.
  • You have 14 = 10 + 4
  • You borrow 10 from the tens, so you have 0 tens and 14 ones
  • Now you can take 9 away from 14 ones
  • 14 - 9 = 5

Examples you can see

Let's try some examples with objects you can imagine or draw. Example 1: Using counters Imagine you have 12 counters in a pile.
  • You want to take away 5
  • But you only have 2 counters in the ones place
  • You need to borrow from the tens
  • You take one group of 10 from the tens place
  • Now you have 10 + 2 = 12 counters
  • Take away 5: 12 - 5 = 7
Example 2: Using blocks You have 23 blocks.
  • You want to take away 17
  • Start with 2 tens and 3 ones
  • You need to take away 7 ones, but you only have 3
  • Borrow 1 ten (which is 10 ones) to make 13 ones
  • Now you have 1 ten and 13 ones
  • Take away 17 = 10 + 7
  • 13 - 7 = 6 ones
  • 1 - 1 = 0 tens
  • Answer: 6
Example 3: Real-world shopping You have £15 to spend on a toy that costs £8.
  • You start with 15 pounds
  • You want to take away 8 pounds
  • You have 5 pounds in ones place
  • You can't take away 8 from 5
  • Borrow 10 pounds from the tens
  • Now you have 10 + 5 = 15 pounds
  • Take away 8 pounds: 15 - 8 = 7 pounds

Try it as a mini adventure

The Treasure Hunt Challenge You are on a treasure hunt in a magical forest. You need to find 12 golden coins to open a secret chest. But there's a tricky part:
  • You start with 12 coins in your backpack
  • You need to give 8 coins to a friendly dragon to get the map
  • But your coin pouch only shows 2 coins in the ones section
  • You must borrow coins from the tens section to make this work
4th step: You borrow from the tens
  • You take 10 coins from your tens bag
  • You now have 10 + 2 = 12 coins
  • You give 8 coins to the dragon
  • You have 12 - 8 = 4 coins left
5th step: You open the chest
  • You now have 4 coins left
  • You can take 4 more coins from the treasure chest
  • 4 + 4 = 8 coins total
Final treasure: 8 coins!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking borrowing means taking something away from you
    • Why it happens: Confusing borrowing with stealing
    • Fix: Remember borrowing is just moving groups to make subtraction easier
  • Mistake: Forgetting to subtract from the borrowed amount
    • Why it happens: Not keeping track of numbers
    • Fix: Always check your work by adding back
  • Mistake: Borrowing incorrectly from the wrong column
    • Why it happens: Not understanding place value
    • Fix: Use visual aids like blocks or drawings to see the groups
  • Mistake: Not understanding that you still have the same total amount
    • Why it happens: Thinking the number changed
    • Fix: Count all your objects before and after to see it's the same

Parent and carer guide

How to help at home:
  • Use physical objects like coins, blocks, or counters to show borrowing
  • Explain that borrowing is like splitting a bag of 10 cookies into two smaller bags
  • Ask your child to explain how they borrowed
  • Practice with real examples like shopping or sharing
  • Don't worry if they make mistakes – it's part of learning
What to say:
  • "You're borrowing, which means you're just moving groups around"
  • "This is like sharing your toys with a friend"
  • "Let's count together to make sure we still have the same amount"
What not to do:
  • Don't rush or pressure them
  • Don't say "that's wrong" – instead say "let's try another way"
  • Don't compare with other children

Practice questions

  1. 15 - 7 = ?
  2. 21 - 9 = ?
  3. 13 - 8 = ?
  4. 17 - 9 = ?
  5. 14 - 6 = ?
  6. 23 - 8 = ?
  7. 16 - 9 = ?
  8. 12 - 5 = ?
  9. 18 - 9 = ?
  10. 22 - 7 = ?
Answers:
  1. 15 - 7 = 8
  2. 21 - 9 = 12
  3. 13 - 8 = 5
  4. 17 - 9 = 8
  5. 14 - 6 = 8
  6. 23 - 8 = 15
  7. 16 - 9 = 7
  8. 12 - 5 = 7
  9. 18 - 9 = 9
  10. 22 - 7 = 15

FAQ

What does borrowing mean in subtraction?

Borrowing means taking a group from a higher place value to make subtraction easier. It's like splitting a bag of 10 items into two smaller bags.

Why is borrowing not stealing?

Borrowing is not stealing because you're just moving groups around to make the math work. You still have the same total amount of items, just in different groups.

How do I know when to borrow?

You need to borrow when the number in the ones place is smaller than the number you're subtracting. For example, if you have 12 and need to take away 7, you borrow because 2 is smaller than 7.

Can I use any objects to practice borrowing?

Yes! Use counters, blocks, coins, or even draw pictures. The more you practice with real objects, the easier it gets.

What if I still don't understand borrowing?

That's okay! Keep practicing with different objects. Ask a grown-up to help you, or try again tomorrow. Understanding takes time.