Subtraction
2026-02-28 12:58 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/subtraction

There are a lot of types of subtraction. These types are used in different contexts. Let us now see the different types of subtraction:

Simple Subtraction


Simple subtraction is the procedure of finding the difference between two or more numbers. It involves basic subtraction without requiring complex steps like borrowing.

For example, if you have 7 apples and give 3 away, the difference is:

\(7 \ – 3 = 4\).

Here, the minuend is 7, the subtrahend is 3, and the difference is 4.

Subtraction of Decimals

Subtraction of decimals is the procedure of finding the difference between two decimal numbers. It involves aligning the decimal points and subtracting digit by digit.

For example, subtract 12.45 from 25.70

Align the decimal point: \(25.70 \ – 12.45\)

Subtract digit by digit: \(25.70\ – 12.45 = 13.25\).

So the difference is 13.25.

Subtraction of Fractions

Subtraction of fractions is the procedure of finding the difference between two or more fractions. To subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. If the fractions have different denominators, then using LCM convert them into common denominators. Then, subtract the numerators, while keeping the denominators unchanged.

For example, 

With same denominator:

\(\frac{5}{8} - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{5 - 3}{8} = \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}\)

With different denominators:

\(\frac{3}{4} - \frac{2}{3}\)

Find the common denominator: LCM of 4 and 3 is 12.

Rewrite the fractions: \(\frac{3}{4} = \frac{9}{12}\), and \(\frac{2}{3} = \frac{8}{12}\).

Subtract: \(\frac{9}{12} - \frac{8}{12} = \frac{1}{12}\).

Subtraction of Negative Numbers


Subtraction of negative numbers involves removing the negative value, which means (–) × (–) = +. This is how the negative value is removed.

For example, \(5 – (–3) = 5 + 3 = 8\).

Here, (–) × (–) = +. Hence, it becomes 5 + 3.


\(–4 – (–6) = \ –4 + 6 = 2\)


In general, \(a – (–b) = a + b.\)

Subtraction of Large Numbers


Subtraction of large numbers involves finding the difference between two or more large numbers (multi-digit numbers). It is performed by aligning both numbers according to their place values. This also involves the process of borrowing from the other number.


For example, subtract 8,462 from 12,937.

Step 1: Align the numbers: 

Step 2: Subtract each digit from left to right, borrowing where it’s necessary.

Hence, the difference is 4,475.