Subtraction:

Subtraction is taking away one number from another to find the difference. In subtraction, the number we are subtracting from is called the minuend, the number being subtracted is called the subtrahend, and the result is called the difference.

When subtracting:

• 1-digit numbers: We subtract numbers in the ones place only.
• 2-digit numbers: We subtract numbers in both the tens and ones places.
• 3-digit numbers: We subtract numbers in the hundreds, tens, and ones places.

If the top digit in any place value is smaller than the bottom, borrowing (or regrouping) is required.

Example 1:

Subtraction of 1-digit Numbers: Subtract 7 from 9.

Solution:

• Using place value alignment, write the numbers vertically: 9 - 7
• Subtract the one's place:
  • 9 - 7 = 2

Final solution: 9 - 7 = 2.

Example 2:

Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping: Subtract 12 from 35.

Solution:

• Align the numbers by place value and write them vertically: 35 - 12
• Subtract the one's place:
  • 5 - 2 = 3
• Subtract the tens place:
  • 3 - 1 = 2

Final solution: 35 - 12 = 23.

Example 3:

Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers With Regrouping: Subtract 27 from 54.

Solution:

• Write the numbers vertically, aligning by place value: 54 - 27
• Subtract the ones place:
  • 4 - 7 cannot be done without borrowing.
  • Borrow 1 from the tens place, making the 5 into a 4, and making the 4 in the ones place into 14.
  • Now, 14 - 7 = 7
• Subtract the tens place:
  • 4 - 2 = 2

Final Solution: 54 - 27 = 27.

Example 4:

Subtraction of 3-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping: Subtract 123 from 456.

Solution:

• Write the numbers vertically, aligning by place value: 456 - 123
• Subtract the ones place:
  • 6 - 3 = 3
• Subtract the tens place:
  • 5 - 2 = 3
• Subtract the hundreds place:
  • 4 - 1 = 3
• Final solution: 456 - 123 = 333.

Example 5:

Subtraction of 3-Digit Numbers With Regrouping: Subtract 178 from 402.

Solution:

• Write the numbers vertically, aligning by place value: 402 - 178
• Subtract the ones place:
  • 2 - 8 cannot be done without borrowing.
  • Borrow 1 from the tens place (making 0 into 10), and then 10 - 8 = 2
• Subtract the tens place:
  • Now we have 9 in the tens place after borrowing.
  • 9 - 7 = 2
• Subtract the hundreds place:
  • 3 - 1 = 2

Final Solution: 402 - 178 = 224.

Why it matters:

Subtraction is a vital math skill used to determine differences, solve problems, and make comparisons in everyday life, such as calculating change, managing budgets, or measuring time. It strengthens logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Mastering subtraction lays the foundation for understanding advanced operations like division and algebra.

By practicing subtraction, you'll be able to solve real-world problems quickly!

Let’s practice and evaluate your work together by subtraction.