# Trade-First Subtraction > Interactive app for learning and practicing trade-first subtraction method. (iPhone/iPad app by Esa Helttula.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trade-first-subtraction/id351022585 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Esa Helttula](https://appshunter.io/developer/339440196) - Category: Education - Price: $3.99 - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 1 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2010-01-26 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trade-first-subtraction/id351022585/reviews.md ## What is Trade? This app can be used to teach and study the trade-first subtraction method. The app is easy to use and it has an intuitive interactive interface with customizable colors and other settings. The user can solve random subtraction problems with small and large numbers. The number of digits in the numbers can be set. Endorsed by Teachers Rita Zeni, Ecole Sandy Hill Elementary, Abbotsford, BC, Canada: "The math apps by Esa Helttula allow students to practice and reinforce the specific computation strategies taught in class, with as much or as little scaffolding as necessary. They also provide individualized feedback to each student, with an immediacy that is not always possible through pencil and paper practice. Being able to adjust the level of difficulty to suit their needs is also very motivating for the students. I am so glad to have come across this great educational tool!" The Trade-First Method The trade-first subtraction method is similar to the traditional column subtraction method. The method has two stages. All of the "trading" or "borrowing" is done first. Then the subtractions are solved. This gives the method it's name, "trade-first." In the Everyday Mathematics curriculum the trade-first method is the focus algorithm for subtraction. The App is Easy to Use The numbers are aligned automatically so that you can concentrate on solving the operations for each column. Borrowing is animated step by step so you can see what happens. Borrowing over several columns is also supported. After you solve the operation for each column the correct answer will fly to the right place. If the user presses the wrong button the answer will appear above the keyboard but it will not move. Features: - Each number can have from 2 to 5 digits - Problems can be custom or random - The current operation for each column can be hidden - The operands of the current operation can be highlighted - Colors of the interface can be changed - The speed of the animations can be set - The lines separating the columns can be hidden Other iDevBooks math apps iDevBooks math apps have been reviewed and endorsed by Wired.com, IEAR.org, Edudemic.com, Teachers with Apps, and other respected sites and organizations. Some of the other 40 iDevBooks math apps are Column Addition, Long Multiplication, Long Division, Column Subtraction, Visual Multiplication Table, Partial Differences Subtraction, Partial Products Multiplication, Partial Sums Addition, Decimal Rounding, etc. Feedback and requests for new features New ideas to make this app better are welcome. Please visit idevbooks.com to give feedback. Privacy This app has no ads or in-app purchases and it does not transmit any data during the operation of the app. This app also does not contain any links to other apps or the web. ## Key features - Interactive trade-first subtraction method - Customizable number of digits (2-5) - Random and custom problem generation - Step-by-step animated borrowing - Customizable interface colors and animations - Immediate feedback on answers ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trade-first-subtraction/id351022585/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Excellent *2016-02-11* This teaching tool for column subtraction is excellent. It is just the way I was taught, and I am confident my daughter (aged nine) will find it helpful. I previously reviewed another subtraction method by this developer called 'Column Subtraction'. I much prefer this new one. I am glad the developer seems to have taken on board my comments, and has released this one. Thanks ### 5/5 — Wonderful. *2014-03-25* This app has helped my 8 year old son immensely. He used to get confused with the borrowing and the problems he made up top would prevent him from getting the right answer. This app helped by focusing on one thing at a time. I love that I can create custom problems for him. ## Frequently asked questions about Trade ### What is the trade-first subtraction method taught in Trade-First Subtraction? The trade-first subtraction method involves completing all 'trading' or 'borrowing' steps first, followed by the subtraction calculations for each column. This method is highlighted in curricula like Everyday Mathematics. ### How does Trade-First Subtraction help students learn? The app provides an intuitive interface with step-by-step animated borrowing, allowing students to visualize the process. It offers immediate feedback, reinforcing correct methods and motivating students through adjustable difficulty levels. ### Can I customize the problems in Trade-First Subtraction? Yes, you can generate random subtraction problems or create custom ones. The number of digits in each number can be set from 2 to 5, allowing for tailored practice sessions. ### What devices is Trade-First Subtraction available on? Trade-First Subtraction is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to work across these Apple devices. ### How often is Trade-First Subtraction updated? The latest version of Trade-First Subtraction is 6.5, which was last updated on October 3, 2021. While updates are not extremely frequent, the app is stable and well-supported. ### What is the user sentiment for Trade-First Subtraction? The app has received a perfect rating of 5.0 stars from 1 rating, indicating very positive user sentiment. Teachers have also endorsed its effectiveness for reinforcing computation strategies. ### Does Trade-First Subtraction have ads? No, Trade-First Subtraction is ad-free. It also does not contain in-app purchases or links to external websites, ensuring an uninterrupted learning experience. ### What is the price of Trade-First Subtraction? Trade-First Subtraction is a paid app priced at $3.99. This one-time purchase provides access to all features without any additional costs or subscriptions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 6.5 — 2021-10-03 - support for iOS 15 ### 6.0 — 2019-10-03 - support for iOS 13 - new interface with support for latest iPad and iPhone models - new theme colors ### 5.2 — 2018-11-14 - support for iOS 12 - support for iPhone Xr and Xs Max - minor bug fixes ### 5.1 — 2018-03-26 - support for iOS 11 - support for iPhone X ### 5.0 — 2017-02-15 - open worksheets from app (new worksheets can be made on the iDevBooks.com site) - support for iOS 10.0 - support for shared iPad in school environments For more information about worksheets and other new features of this version please visit idevbooks.com. Please also get in contact if you have any feedback or you want information about 32 iDevBooks math apps. ## More apps by Esa Helttula - [Column Addition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/column-addition/id339440193) - [Column Subtraction](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/column-subtraction/id341040894) - [Long Division](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/long-division/id341041204) - [Long Multiplication](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/long-multiplication/id345037369) - [Partial Sums Addition](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/partial-sums-addition/id351022022) All apps by Esa Helttula: https://appshunter.io/developer/339440196 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*