Subtraction

Introduction

The value of a number becomes less when you subtract any number from it. Subtraction worksheets on Vedantu are designed in a way that provide useful insights into this topic and help students get more exposure to a variety of sums.  

Let us consider an example now for a better understanding. If you have 10 Apples and remove 5 of them, you will have 5 Apples left. 

From the same example, we can write it in a mathematical equation as 10 - 5 = 5. 

• You can read it as ten minus five is equivalent to five. (A mathematical equation is essentially a math sentence that uses numbers and symbols.) 

• We use two symbols when we do the subtraction, that is - and =

• The minus sign (-) indicates that one quantity is subtracted from the other. 

• Basically, we subtracted 5 apples from a Lot of 10 apples. 

What is Subtraction?

As discussed earlier, Subtraction in Mathematics means taking away certain things from a group. In other words, we can also say that it is the method of removing objects from a group. The words "Minus", "Less", "Difference", "Decrease", "Take Away" and "Deduct" mean that one quantity is to be subtracted from another quantity.

Facts: 

• Small numbers can be subtracted horizontally and big numbers can be subtracted vertically.

• Subtraction sums are just the opposite of addition sums.

• Subtracting zero from a number does not change the number's value.

• 1 subtracted from a number gives the number's predecessor as the difference.

• The number from the other number is deducted is called the minuend. The number subtracted is called the subtrahend, and the answer is nothing but their difference. 

For example: 

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Subtraction Problems

1. Pakistan Scored 250 Runs and India Scored 150 Runs in an International Cricket Match. How Many More Runs Does India have to Score Equal to Pakistan?

Ans: Runs scored by Pakistan: 250

Runs scored by India: 150

Now, if we perform subtraction, i.e., taking 150 from 250, we get 

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So, India must score 100 runs to be equal to Pakistan's runs.

2. 2 Months Back, the Pet Cow of Mahima, Weighed 25 Kgs. He is Weighing 45 Kgs Now. What has She Gained in Weight?

Ans: Weight 2 months back: 25Kgs

Weight at the moment: 45Kgs

The difference between both weights is the present weight. 

So, if we deduct 25 from 45, we get,

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The weight gain in 2 months is 20Kgs. 

Subtraction of Larger Number from Small Number:

Remember the terms switch and negate when you subtract a larger number from a smaller number. That is, change the order of the two numbers to the same level and make the subtraction as you would normally do. But keep a minus symbol at the end. 

Example: To find 5-8, you can just switch the order of two numbers, and perform 8-5, which equals 3; then you can negate the result to get –3. So, 5-8 will be - 3.

Remember not to get confused by the minus sign.  If a minus sign is put between two numbers, this indicates the first number minus the second. But it does mean that this number is a negative one when you add it to the front of a specific number.

Subtraction with Decimal Numbers

Take these steps to delete decimals:

• Write down the two numbers with decimal points in alignment one below the other.

• Add zero so the length of the numbers is the same.

• Then normally subtract. But remember to insert the decimal point in the answer.

Subtraction puzzles: Fact family subtraction

A number fact which is made of three numbers called the fact family.

Suppose if have 8-5

• 8 - 5 = 3

• The above equation can also be written as 8 -3 = 5 and 5+3=8

• Here 3,5 and 8 are members of the fact family.

Conclusion:

Our choice of a subtraction method depends on the numbers involved. In order to solve problems with subtraction, we can use addition as subtraction in the inverse process. Subtraction is closely associated with addition.