Learn Subtraction
A Comprehensive Lesson with Examples and Interactive Quiz
What is Subtraction?
Subtraction is a basic arithmetic operation that finds the difference between two numbers by taking one number away from another. It is represented by the "−" symbol. For example, 5 − 3 = 2, where 2 is the difference.
Subtraction is used in everyday life, such as calculating change, measuring distances, or determining how many items are left.
Types of Subtraction
- Single-digit subtraction: Subtracting numbers from 0 to 9 (e.g., 8 − 3).
- Two-digit subtraction: Subtracting numbers from 10 to 99, with or without borrowing (e.g., 45 − 23).
- Three-digit subtraction: Subtracting numbers from 100 to 999, often involving borrowing (e.g., 789 − 456).
- Four-digit subtraction: Subtracting numbers from 1000 to 9999, with multiple borrows (e.g., 6789 − 2345).
- Subtraction with borrowing: When a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend, you borrow from the next column.
- Subtraction without borrowing: When no borrowing is needed (e.g., 456 − 123).
Examples of Subtraction
1. Single-Digit Subtraction
8 − 3 = 5
Explanation: Subtract the numbers directly to get the difference.
2. Two-Digit Subtraction (Without Borrowing)
45 − 23 = 22
Explanation: Align the numbers by place value:
45
− 23
-----
22
3. Two-Digit Subtraction (With Borrowing)
52 − 38 = 14
Explanation: Ones: 2 < 8, so borrow 1 from tens (5 becomes 4, 2 becomes 12). Then, 12 − 8 = 4. Tens: 4 − 3 = 1.
52
− 38
-----
14
4. Three-Digit Subtraction (With Borrowing)
789 − 456 = 333
Explanation: Ones: 9 − 6 = 3. Tens: 8 − 5 = 3. Hundreds: 7 − 4 = 3.
789
− 456
------
333
5. Four-Digit Subtraction (With Borrowing)
6789 − 2345 = 4444
Explanation: Ones: 9 − 5 = 4. Tens: 8 − 4 = 4. Hundreds: 7 − 3 = 4. Thousands: 6 − 2 = 4.
6789
− 2345
------
4444
Interactive Subtraction Quiz
Test your subtraction skills with these 20 multiple-choice questions!
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