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Method G - Partial Differences Method

CPD for Primary: Subtraction Methods for KS2 Maths (by Jo Morgan), topic 2.1.7

Partial Differences Method: 753 − 491

Step 1

Step 1

  • Write out the subtrahend under the minuend, lining up the digits so that the hundreds, tens and ones digits of each number are in the same columns respectively.
Step 2

Step 2

  • We could work from either right to left or left to right here.
  • Starting from the right, we subtract 1 from 3 and write the difference in the ones column. 3 − 1 = 2.
Step 3

Step 3

  • Subtract 9 from 5 and write the difference in the tens column.
  • 5 − 9 = −4.
Step 4

Step 4

  • Unlike in other methods, it’s fine to write a negative number in the bottom row.
  • Subtract 4 from 7 and write the difference in the hundreds column.
  • 7 − 4 = 3.
Step 5

Step 5

  • Now calculate the value of the difference.
  • Reading off the bottom row, we have 300 − 40 + 2.
  • 300 − 40 + 2 = 262
  • So 753 − 491 = 262

Test yourself on Method G - Partial Differences Method

  • Which way do we work when using the Partial Difference Method?

  • Example question: Use the Partial Difference Method to calculate 832 − 376.

    What shouls students write in the hundreds, tens and ones column?

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