Math is Fun!

Subtraction		 boy looking at a book

Home Place Value Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Now You Try!

Subtraction is the process of taking one number, the subtrahend, from another number the minuend. chalkboard

Minuend is the number the subtrahend is taken away from
Subtrahend in the number being taken away from the minuend.
Difference is the answer to a subtraction problem. 		 vocabulary labels



Subtraction Steps: (without regrouping)
(1) Subtract the digits in the far right column.
(2) Write the difference in that column.
(3) Move left to the next column and subtract those digits.
(4)  Write the difference in that column.
(5) Repeat steps 3-4 until there are no more columns to subtract.






 subtraction steps

subtraction steps
 Subtraction Steps: (regrouping)
(1) Subtract digits in the far right column.
(2) If bottom number is smaller than the top, then regroup or borrow from the number to the left.
(3) The number to the left will be lowered by one, adding ten to the column that needed it.
(4) After regrouping, or if no regrouping was needed, subtract the bottom number from the top
(5) Write the difference in that column.
(6) Move left and subtract those digits.
(7) Follow steps 2-6 until there are no more columns to subtract.


subtraction examples without regrouping
 Subtraction without regrouping:
  • When working with large numbers (larger than one digit) rewrite the problem so it is vertical.
  • When you rewrite the problem, put the largest number on top.
subtraction steps with regrouping
 Subtraction with regrouping:
  • Only one number can be in a place value slot.
  • Find the difference of a column, regroup if bottom number is smaller than the top number.. 
subtraction with decimals
 Subtraction with decimals:
  • Subtract like you normally would, but don't forget the decimal.
  • Just like numbers, decimals should line up with each other.

Test your skills on the Now You Try! page.

Website Developer: M. Martinez                July 2008