Standard Subtraction
Introduction
Apply the standard written algorithm for subtraction to any-size numbers, including four-digit problems and multi-step word problems.
The Standard Subtraction Algorithm
The column subtraction method works for numbers of any size: 1. Align numbers by place value (ones under ones, tens under tens, etc.) 2. Subtract from right to left (ones → tens → hundreds → thousands…) 3. If a digit of the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit of the subtrahend, borrow 1 from the next column to the left. 4. Verify by adding the difference to the subtrahend — you should get the minuend.
Quick practice
Using a sample question until this lesson includes practice data. XP sync rolls out with account progress (Phase 4).
Quick warm-up: what is 4 + 3?
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