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Column Method Subtraction

The column method can help you add and subtract large numbers or numbers with decimals.

What is 5562.8 - 1435.7?

What is 5562.8 - 1435.7?

  • This is hard to work out in your head.
1) Subtract right hand column

1) Subtract right hand column

  • Make sure the decimal points of both numbers are lined up so you don't confuse place values.
  • Start subtracting from the the right hand side.
2) Subtract 2nd column

2) Subtract 2nd column

  • If we subtract 5 from 2 we will get a negative number.
3) Borrow a 1

3) Borrow a 1

  • If this happens we 'borrow' a 1 from the next number to the left on the top line.
    • Now we are calculating 12 - 5 = 7.
4) Subtract 3rd column

4) Subtract 3rd column

  • Because we 'borrowed' from the 6 we now calculate 5 - 3 = 2.
5) Subtract 4th column

5) Subtract 4th column

  • Continue to work to the left subtracting one column at a time.
6) Subtract left hand column

6) Subtract left hand column

  • 5562.8 - 1435.7 = 4127.1
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Place Value

1.2

Factors & Multiples

1.3

Operations

1.4

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.5

Growth & Decay

1.6

Measurements & Units

1.7

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Graphs

2.3

Solving Equations

2.4

Sequences

3

Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change

4

Geometry & Measures

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Ruler & Compass Constructions

4.3

Perimeter & Area

4.4

Triangles, Quadrilaterals & Circles

4.5

Transformations

4.6

Triangle Formulae

4.7

3D Shapes

4.8

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

Practice questions on Subtraction

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