Master

Subtraction: Whole Numbers

Master subtraction: whole numbers with interactive lessons and practice problems! Designed for students like you!

Learn

Get the basics

Practice

Apply your skills

Master

Achieve excellence

Subtraction: Whole Numbers

Study Guide

Key Definition

Subtraction is the process of taking one number or amount away from another: $a - b$

Important Notes

Subtraction is not commutative, meaning $a - b \neq b - a$
When subtracting larger numbers, borrowing might be necessary
Subtraction can result in negative numbers if $a < b$
Subtracting $0$ leaves a number unchanged.
Subtraction is used in daily life for calculating differences

Mathematical Notation

$-$ represents subtraction

$\neq$ represents not equal to

$<$ represents less than

$>$ represents greater than

Remember to use proper notation when solving problems

Why It Works

Subtraction helps determine the difference between quantities and is foundational for understanding negative values: $a - b = c$

Remember

Subtraction requires careful attention to order: $a - b \neq b - a$

Quick Reference

Identity Element:$0$

Borrowing:Used within a place value when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit.

Understanding Subtraction: Whole Numbers

Choose your learning level

Watch & Learn

Video explanation of this concept

Beginner

Start here! Easy to understand

Beginner Explanation

Simple explanation with $a - b$ and examples like $3 - 1 = 2$

Practice Problems

Test your understanding with practice problems

Quick Quiz

Single Choice Quiz

Beginner

What is $5 - 3$?

Real-World Problem

Question Exercise

Intermediate

Teenager Scenario

If you have $20$ dollars and spend $13$ dollars on a movie ticket, how much money do you have left?

Thinking Challenge

Thinking Exercise

Intermediate

Think About This

Can you find the difference if you subtract $45$ from $67$?

Challenge Quiz

Single Choice Quiz

Advanced

What is $50 - 75$?

Recap

Watch & Learn

Review key concepts and takeaways