How to Subtract With and Without Borrowing

How to Subtract With and Without Borrowing

Subtraction is one of the most important operations in mathematics. It helps in finding the difference between two numbers. Learning how to subtract with and without borrowing makes solving problems easier and builds strong number sense.

When the digits in the top number (minuend) are all greater than or equal to the digits in the bottom number (subtrahend), subtraction is simple and does not need borrowing. But when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, borrowing from the next higher place value is required.

Understanding both subtract with borrowing and subtract without borrowing helps students solve 2-digit, 3-digit, and 4-digit subtraction problems correctly. It also builds confidence in handling larger numbers.

Read More: Adding and Subtracting of Rational Numbers

What is Subtract With Borrowing?

Subtract with borrowing happens when the top digit in a number is smaller than the bottom digit. In that case, we take 1 from the next higher place value. This process is also called regrouping.

For example, in 53 – 29, we borrow 1 from 5 (making it 4), so 3 becomes 13. Then we subtract 13 – 9 = 4 and 4 – 2 = 2. The answer is 24.

What is Subtract Without Borrowing?

Subtract without borrowing means subtracting numbers directly when each top digit is greater than or equal to the bottom digit. This type of subtraction is simple and quick.

For example, in 75 – 42, we subtract 5 – 2 = 3 and 7 – 4 = 3. The final answer is 33.

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How to Subtract With and Without Borrowing

To understand how to subtract with and without borrowing, follow these simple steps carefully. This helps in avoiding mistakes during subtraction.

Steps for Subtract With Borrowing

1. Start from the rightmost digit (ones place).

2. If the top digit is smaller, borrow 1 from the next digit on the left.

3. Add 10 to the current digit and subtract as usual.

4. Continue the same process for all digits.

Steps for Subtract Without Borrowing

1. Begin from the rightmost digit.

2. Subtract each digit directly without taking any borrow.

3. Write down the final difference.

Read More: Substitution Method

2 Digit Subtraction With and Without Borrowing

Learning 2-digit subtraction helps students understand how borrowing and simple subtraction work.

2 Digit Subtraction Without Borrowing

In 64 – 32, each top digit is greater. Subtract 4 – 2 = 2 and 6 – 3 = 3. The answer is 32.

2 Digit Subtraction Borrowing

In 52 – 38, 2 is smaller than 8, so borrow 1 from 5. Now 12 – 8 = 4 and 4 – 3 = 1. The answer is 14.

These examples explain both 2 digit subtraction without borrowing and 2 digit subtraction borrowing clearly.

 Read More: 2 Digit Subtraction

3 Digit Subtraction With and Without Borrowing

For 3 digit subtraction, borrowing becomes more useful when zeros or smaller digits appear in the number.

3 Digit Subtraction Without Borrowing

In 843 – 521, each digit on top is greater. Subtract directly: 3 – 1 = 2, 4 – 2 = 2, 8 – 5 = 3. The answer is 322.

3 Digit Borrow Subtraction

In 702 – 489, the ones digit 2 is smaller than 9. Borrow from 0, but since 0 cannot lend, borrow from 7. Then subtract normally to get 213.

This shows the process for 3 digit borrow subtraction in a simple way.

4 Digit Subtraction With and Without Borrowing

Subtraction of 4-digit numbers helps in solving bigger problems and understanding regrouping better.

4 Digit Subtraction Without Borrowing

In 8654 – 4321, we subtract directly: 4 – 1 = 3, 5 – 2 = 3, 6 – 3 = 3, 8 – 4 = 4. The answer is 4333.

4 Digit Subtraction With Borrowing

In 7002 – 4895, borrowing is needed. Borrow step by step from the next digits to make subtraction possible. The final answer is 2107. This is a good example of 4 digit subtraction with borrowing and helps children understand multi-digit subtraction easily.

Also Read: Construction in Maths

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