Subtraction of Whole Numbers

Subtraction is taking one number away from another.

It is a primary arithmetic operation that is denoted by a subtraction symbol (-) and is the method of calculating the difference between two numbers.

Subtract Without Borrowing:

1. Place the number being subtracted under the number being subtracted from so that place values in the same column match.

2. Subtract each column separately starting with the ones

3. Write the result of the subtraction below each column.

Example:

What is 38 - 15?

We write the 38 and place the 15 right below so that 5 is just below 8.

We start by subtracting the ones: 8-5 = 3, and we write 3 in the ones place of the answer.

Now we subtract the tens: 3 – 1 = 2, and we write 2 in the tens place of the answer.

The result of subtracting 38 – 15 = 23

Subtract with Borrowing:

When the digit being subtracted is greater than the digit being subtracted from, we have to seek help from the top number in the next column (to the left).

Example:

What is 32 - 17?

Place 17 under 32 so that the ones are in the same column, that is, the 7 and 2 coincide.

Start subtracting the ones: 2 – 7, but because 2 is greater than 7, you have to “borrow” from the next column in the top number. A ten is taken from the “30” and given to the 2 in the ones place, to make 12 instead of 2. But since 10 was taken from the 30 (3 in the 10s place), that leaves only 20 (2 in the 10s place).

Now you can subtract 12-7 = 5

Subtract the tens column: 2 – 1 = 1

Therefore, the result is 32 - 17 = 15

Sample Problems:

Try solving the questions below!

1. 398 - 98 = ?

2. 59 - 17= ?

3. 301 - 9= ?

4. 192 - 36 = ?

5. 18 - 9 = ?

Answers