What is Subtraction?

Learning subtraction is different than learning addition, but kids can perform it effortlessly if taught correctly- start with simple numbers and go slowly. You can progress to more advanced subtraction sums when you develop a solid foundation. You can accomplish this by explaining subtraction as taking away, using number lines, and practising subtraction vocabulary.

In Mathematics, subtraction is the removal of items from a group. Always remember that we start subtraction from one’s place. Using the number line, we can subtract the integers. You can add a positive integer by going to the right on the number line. Subtraction is when we remove a specified number of objects from a specified collection of objects. The '–' symbol represents it. When one number is subtracted from another, the result is known as the difference.

How to Borrow in Subtraction?

When subtracting big integers, the top digit in a column may be less than the bottom digit in that column. In that situation, you must borrow from the column to your left.

subtraction with borrowing consists of two steps:

• Cross out the number from which you're borrowing, subtract one, and write the result above the number you crossed out.

• Add 10 to the number at the top of the column you were working in.

For example: In subtracting 26 from 53, as you can notice, the upper rightmost digit of the first number (i.e. 3) is smaller than the lower number’s digit (i.e. 6). Since 3 < 6, we borrow from the left side which is 5 and add 10 to that number the 3 becomes

(10 + 3) = 13. Subtract one from the top number in the column on the left (i.e. 5 – 1 = 4).

Subtraction with Borrowing

Subtraction with Carrying Over

Let's say you wish to subtract 34 from 926.

• The first step is to remove 4 from 6 in the ones column, yielding 2.

• When you move to the tens column 3, however, you need to subtract 2 – 3. Because 2 is smaller than 3, you need to borrow from the hundreds column.

• First, cross out the 9 and replace it with 8, because 9 – 1 = 8. Next, add 10 into 2, changing it to 12, because 2 + 10 = 12. Now you can subtract in the tens column: 12 – 3= 9.

• The final step is simple: 8 – 0 = 8.

• Hence, the answer is 892.

Subtraction with Carrying Over

Let takes another example of subtraction borrowing problems:

Q.1 Subtract 458 – 67.

Ans: The steps to solve this problem is as follows:

1. The first step is to remove 7 from 8 in the ones column, yielding 1.

2. When you move to the tens column 5, however, you need to subtract 5 – 6. Because 5 is smaller than 6, you need to borrow from the hundreds column.

3. First, cross out the 4 and replace it with a 3, because 4 – 1 = 3.

4. Next, place a 1 in front of the 5, changing it to 15, because 5 + 10 = 15. Now you can subtract in the tens column: 15 – 6= 9.

5. The final step is simple: 3– 0 = 3.

6. Hence, the answer is 391.

Subtraction with Carrying Over

Q 2. Subtract 245 – 36

Ans: The steps to solve this problem is as follows:

1. Firstly, we can borrow 10 from tens place to one’s place.

2. Now, begin the subtraction.

3. In ones place, subtract 6 from 15 i.e. 15 – 6 = 9.

4. In tens place, after lending 10 to ones place, it is left with 3. Now, subtract 3 from 3 that is 3 – 3 = 0.

5. In the hundredth place, 2 is left which is written as it is.

6. Hence 245 - 36 = 209

Subtraction of 245 – 36

Q 3. Subtract 952 – 456.

Ans: The steps to solve this problem is as follows:

1. First, borrow 10 from tens places to one's places.

2. Now, begin the subtraction.

3. In ones place, subtract 6 from 12. I.e. 12 – 6 = 6.

4. In tens place, after lending 10 to ones place it is left with 4. Now borrow 10 from hundreds of places.

5. In tens place subtract 5 from 14 i.e. 14 – 5 = 9.

6. After lending to tens place it is left with 8.

7. In the hundreds place, subtract 8 – 4 = 4

Hence, 952 – 456 = 496

Subtraction of 952 – 456

Practice on Your Own

Q 1. Subtract 933 – 456.

Ans: 477

Q 2. Subtract 10000 – 12.

Ans: 9988

Summary

In this article, we have discussed that subtraction is done or used when we are asked to remove a specified number of objects from a specified collection of objects. Always start subtracting from one’s place. Subtraction can be done by borrowing or without borrowing. Subtraction with borrow is used when the right-most digit of the first number is smaller than the right-most digit of the second number. Always start subtracting from one’s place.