Many students struggle with regrouping (borrowing), especially when there are zeros in the minuend or when multiple regrouping steps are needed. Others have difficulty understanding why subtraction works the way it does, leading to careless errors when applying the algorithm. Some students also confuse the order of numbers in subtraction problems, not realizing that 5 - 8 is different from 8 - 5. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction can identify exactly where a student gets stuck and build confidence through targeted practice.

Pennsylvania schools follow state standards that introduce subtraction in kindergarten and first grade with single-digit problems, progress to multi-digit subtraction in second and third grade, and extend to decimals and negative numbers in upper elementary and middle school. With 216 schools across 32 school districts in Pittsburgh, there can be variation in pacing and instructional methods, so some students may benefit from additional support to keep up or fill gaps from earlier grades.

A tutor will start by assessing your student's current understanding—working through a few subtraction problems to identify specific strengths and gaps. They'll ask questions to understand whether challenges are with basic facts, regrouping, place value, or something else entirely. This diagnostic approach means the tutoring plan is built around your student's actual needs, not generic lessons, making progress faster and more meaningful.

Effective strategies include using manipulatives (blocks, counters) to visualize regrouping, practicing fact fluency with spaced repetition, solving word problems to understand when subtraction is used, and reviewing errors to catch patterns in mistakes. Many students also benefit from explaining their thinking aloud—saying the steps out loud while solving problems helps catch errors and solidifies understanding. A tutor can model these strategies and guide your student to use them independently.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have experience teaching subtraction and understand how to adapt their approach to different learning styles. You'll provide information about your student's grade level, current challenges, and learning preferences, and we'll match you with a tutor who fits those needs. You can meet with your tutor for personalized 1-on-1 instruction that works around your schedule.

Many students see noticeable improvement within 3-4 weeks of consistent tutoring, especially if they're working on a specific skill like regrouping. However, building true fluency and confidence takes longer—typically 8-12 weeks of regular practice. The timeline depends on where your student is starting from, how frequently you meet, and how much they practice between sessions. A tutor can set realistic milestones and adjust the pace based on your student's progress.

Once students are confident with whole number subtraction, they progress to subtracting decimals and fractions, which require understanding place value and equivalent values. Later, they encounter negative numbers and subtraction in algebra. A strong foundation in subtraction makes all these advanced topics more accessible, so addressing gaps early prevents problems down the line in math.