Subtraction of Binary Numbers Rules
2026-02-28 11:48 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/subtraction-of-binary-numbers-rules

The following are the methods for subtracting binary numbers:

Method 1: Borrowing Method

Step 1: Align the binary numbers, ensuring the digits line up correctly.

Step 2: Starting from the rightmost bit, subtract each corresponding bit.

Step 3: Borrow from the next higher digit when subtracting 1 from 0.

Example: Subtract 1010 from 1101.

Step 1: 1101 -1010

Step 2: Start from the right, subtract 0 - 0 = 0.

Step 3: Move left, subtract 1 - 1 = 0.

Step 4: Continue, 0 - 0 = 0.

Step 5: Finally, 1 - 1 = 0.

Answer: 0011

Method 2: Complement Method

This method involves using binary complements and addition to perform subtraction.

Step 1: Find the two's complement of the subtrahend (the number being subtracted).

Step 2: Add the two's complement to the minuend (the number from which to subtract).

Step 3: If there is an overflow, ignore it.

Example: Subtract 1010 from 1101 using complements.

Step 1: Two's complement of 1010 is 0110.

Step 2: Add 1101 + 0110. Step 3: Result is 0011.