Subtraction in Mathematics - 2023

Subtraction is a fundamental mathematical operation that is essential to understand, no matter what level of mathematics you are studying. It's used in everyday life to perform tasks such as calculating change and solving basic problems. This article is designed to help students from grades 1 to 8 understand the concept of subtraction and how it works. By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of subtraction and be well on your way to mastering the art of this important mathematical operation.

What is Subtraction and How Does it Work?

Subtraction is the process of finding the difference between two numbers. The larger number is called the minuend and the smaller number is called the subtrahend. Subtraction is when we take away one number from another. We start from the right and take away each number one by one. If the number we are taking away is bigger than the one we have, we borrow some from the next number to make it work.

Important terms in Subtraction

  • Subtraction: taking away one number from another.
  • Difference: the result of subtracting one number from another.
  • Left over: what remains after subtraction.
  • Minus: the symbol (-) used to indicate subtraction.
  • Take Away: Take away in subtraction means removing a number from another to find the difference or result of the subtraction problem.

Subtracting whole numbers is a straightforward process that requires us to line up the numbers, start from the rightmost digit, and subtract each digit of the subtrahend from the corresponding digit of the minuend. For example, if we want to subtract 7 from 12, we would align the numbers and perform the following calculation:

12

- 7

___

In this example, we subtracted 7 from 12 to find the difference, which is 5.

Subtracting Decimals: A Deeper Dive

Subtracting decimals is similar to subtracting whole numbers, but with a few additional steps. When subtracting decimals, it's important to line up the decimal points so that the digits to the right of the decimal point are aligned. Then, you subtract the digits to the right of the decimal point just like you would when subtracting whole numbers.

For example, if we want to subtract 0.5 from 1.2, we would align the decimal points and perform the following calculation:

1.2

- 0.5

______

In this example, we subtracted 0.5 from 1.2 to find the difference, which is 0.7.

Subtracting Fractions: A Challenging Concept Made Simple

Subtracting fractions can be a challenging concept for students, but with the right approach, it can be easily mastered. To subtract fractions, we first need to find a common denominator, which is the smallest number that both denominators will divide into evenly. Once we have a common denominator, we can subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.

For example, if we want to subtract 1/3 from 1/2, we would find a common denominator of 6 and perform the following calculation:

1/2 - 1/3 = (2/6) - (2/6) = 4/6 - 2/6 = 2/6

In this example, we subtracted 1/3 from 1/2 to find the difference, which is 2/6.

Borrowing in Subtraction: Understanding the Technique

Borrowing in subtraction is a technique that is used when the subtrahend is larger than the digit in the minuend. In these cases, we borrow from the next place value to make the subtraction possible.

Subtracting Integers: The Rules

Subtracting integers is a bit more complicated than subtracting whole numbers or decimals, as the signs of the numbers can play a role in the outcome of the subtraction.

The rules for subtracting integers with the same sign are as follows

  • If both numbers are positive, the difference will also be positive
  • If both numbers are negative, the difference will also be negative

The rules for subtracting integers with different signs are as follows

  • If the minuend is positive and the subtrahend is negative, the difference will be positive
  • If the minuend is negative and the subtrahend is positive, the difference will be negative

The 3 Steps of Subtracting Integers

The process of subtracting integers can be broken down into three steps,

  1. Determine the sign of the answer based on the signs of the numbers
  2. Subtract the absolute values of the numbers
  3. Apply the sign determined in step 1 to the answer found in step 2

For example, if we want to subtract -7 from 12, we would perform the following steps,

  1. Determine the sign of the answer: In this case, the answer will be positive
  2. Subtract the absolute values of the numbers: 12 - 7 = 5
  3. Apply the sign determined in step 1 to the answer found in step 2: +5

The 3 Rules for Adding and Subtracting Fractions

  1. The rules for adding and subtracting fractions are as follows:
  2. Find a common denominator
  3. Add or subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same
  4. Simplify the fraction, if possible

Subtraction Examples: A Hands-On Approach

The best way to understand subtraction is by practicing with examples. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Example 1: Subtracting Whole Numbers

Subtract 8 from 20

Example 2: Subtracting Decimals

Subtract 0.6 from 2.3

Example 3: Subtracting Fractions

Subtract 1/3 from 1/2

Example 4: Subtracting Integers

Subtract -5 from 10

In conclusion, subtraction is an essential mathematical operation that is widely used in everyday life. Understanding the concept of subtraction and how it works can help you in many ways and make you a more confident and capable student. We hope this article has helped you to better understand the subtraction in mathematics and that you now have a solid foundation to build upon as you continue to develop your skills.

Test your knowledge with Upfunda Quiz!

  1. Justin had 87 marbles. He gave 18 to dane and 6 to Sandy. How many does he have left?
  2. What number is exactly in the middle of the numbers 11 and 35?
  3. As Hema wrote the problem on the board, he forgot one digit. What digit is it? 23+31+2+12 =94
  4. A spider was sitting on the ceiling. In some momentit lowered itself 12cm down, then climed 7cm upwards, and finally lowered itself 6cm down. At what distance from the ceiling is now the spider?
  5. The Kangaroo had 2 branches for lunch. Each branch had 10 leaves. The kangaroo ate some leaves from one branch. Then from the second branch, it ate as many leaves as were left on the first branch. How many leaves in total were left on the two branches?

Answers for “A Hands-On Approach”
  1. 20 - 8 = 12
  2. 2.3 - 0.6 = 1.7
  3. 1/2 - 1/3 = 1/6
  4. 10 - (-5) = 10 + 5 = 15
Answer Key for Upfunda Quiz!
  1. B)63
  2. C)23
  3. C)8
  4. B)11
  5. D)10