Subtracting Whole Numbers

Learning Outcomes

  • Subtract single-digit numbers and check the solution using addition
  • Use columns representing place value to subtract multiple-digit numbers

 

Subtract Whole Numbers

Addition and subtraction are inverse operations. Addition undoes subtraction, and subtraction undoes addition.
We know [latex]7 - 3=4[/latex] because [latex]4+3=7[/latex]. Knowing all the addition number facts will help with subtraction. Then we can check subtraction by adding. In the examples above, our subtractions can be checked by addition.

[latex]7-3=4[/latex] because [latex]4+3=7[/latex]
[latex]13-8=5[/latex] because [latex]5+8=13[/latex]
[latex]43-26=17[/latex] because [latex]17+26=43[/latex]

Exercise

Subtract and then check by adding:

  • [latex]9 - 7[/latex]
  • [latex]8 - 3[/latex]

Solution

1.
[latex]9 - 7[/latex]
Subtract 7 from 9. [latex]2[/latex]
Check with addition.
[latex]2+7=9\quad\checkmark [/latex]
2.
[latex]8 - 3[/latex]
Subtract 3 from 8. [latex]5[/latex]
Check with addition.
[latex]5+3=8\quad\checkmark [/latex]

 

 

TRY IT

 

 

To subtract numbers with more than one digit, it is usually easier to write the numbers vertically in columns just as we did for addition. Align the digits by place value, and then subtract each column starting with the ones and then working to the left.

Exercise

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]89 - 61[/latex].

 

TRY IT

 

When we modeled subtracting [latex]26[/latex] from [latex]43[/latex], we exchanged [latex]1[/latex] ten for [latex]10[/latex] ones. When we do this without the model, we say we borrow [latex]1[/latex] from the tens place and add [latex]10[/latex] to the ones place.

Find the difference of whole numbers

  1. Write the numbers so each place value lines up vertically.
  2. Subtract the digits in each place value. Work from right to left starting with the ones place. If the digit on top is less than the digit below, borrow as needed.
  3. Continue subtracting each place value from right to left, borrowing if needed.
  4. Check by adding.

 

excercise

Subtract: [latex]43 - 26[/latex].

 

try it

 

Exercise

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]207 - 64[/latex].

 

try it

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]439 - 52[/latex].

 

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]318 - 75[/latex].

Exercise

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]910 - 586[/latex].

 

try it

 

Exercise

Subtract and then check by adding: [latex]2,162 - 479[/latex].

 

try it

 

 

Watch the video below to see another example of subtracting whole numbers by lining up place values.