Y3-6 maths. Multi-digit subtraction: the European algorithm. One up, one down.

If pupils’ books get messy because of the crossings out and columns of numbers when they do subtraction, if some of them take the top number from the bottom number when things get difficult, if they get into a muddle when they encounter zeros on the top line, then do give this a go. Long ago, this is how subtraction was taught in British schools, and it’s still taught in schools in Europe.

It’s a very clear PowerPoint with animation and narration. I first used this method with a Y5/6 class who had been taught to use the American algorithm. They found it tricky to master and I found their work equally tricky to mark because of the presentation, So I gave them a choice: use the method taught by their previous teacher, or use this one. Provided they were getting the right answers, it was fine with me. Not one of them continued with the old method.