Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Use subtraction notation
- Model subtraction of whole numbers
- Subtract whole numbers
- Translate word phrases to math notation
- Subtract whole numbers in applications
Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.
Model using base-ten blocks.
If you missed this problem, review Example 1.12.
Add:
If you missed this problem, review Example 1.20.
Use Subtraction Notation
Suppose there are seven bananas in a bowl. Elana uses three of them to make a smoothie. How many bananas are left in the bowl? To answer the question, we subtract three from seven. When we subtract, we take one number away from another to find the difference. The notation we use to subtract from is
We read as seven minus three and the result is the difference of seven and three.
Subtraction Notation
To describe subtraction, we can use symbols and words.
Operation | Notation | Expression | Read as | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Subtraction | seven minus three | the difference of and |
Example 1.26
Translate from math notation to words: ⓐ ⓑ .
Translate from math notation to words:
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Translate from math notation to words:
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Model Subtraction of Whole Numbers
A model can help us visualize the process of subtraction much as it did with addition. Again, we will use blocks. Remember a block represents 1 and a rod represents 10. Let’s start by modeling the subtraction expression we just considered,
We start by modeling the first number, 7. | |
Now take away the second number, 3. We'll circle 3 blocks to show that we are taking them away. | |
Count the number of blocks remaining. | |
There are 4 ones blocks left. | We have shown that . |
Manipulative Mathematics
Example 1.27
Model the subtraction:
Model:
Model:
Example 1.28
Model the subtraction:
Model the subtraction:
Model the subtraction:
Example 1.29
Model the subtraction:
Model the subtraction:
Model the subtraction:
Subtract Whole Numbers
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations. Addition undoes subtraction, and subtraction undoes addition.
We know because Knowing all the addition number facts will help with subtraction. Then we can check subtraction by adding. In the examples above, our subtractions can be checked by addition.
Example 1.30
Subtract and then check by adding:
- ⓐ
- ⓑ
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
To subtract numbers with more than one digit, it is usually easier to write the numbers vertically in columns just as we did for addition. Align the digits by place value, and then subtract each column starting with the ones and then working to the left.
Example 1.31
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
When we modeled subtracting from we exchanged ten for ones. When we do this without the model, we say we borrow from the tens place and add to the ones place.
How To
Find the difference of whole numbers.
- Step 1. Write the numbers so each place value lines up vertically.
- Step 2. Subtract the digits in each place value. Work from right to left starting with the ones place. If the digit on top is less than the digit below, borrow as needed.
- Step 3. Continue subtracting each place value from right to left, borrowing if needed.
- Step 4. Check by adding.
Example 1.32
Subtract:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Example 1.33
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Example 1.34
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Example 1.35
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Subtract and then check by adding:
Translate Word Phrases to Math Notation
As with addition, word phrases can tell us to operate on two numbers using subtraction. To translate from a word phrase to math notation, we look for key words that indicate subtraction. Some of the words that indicate subtraction are listed in Table 1.3.
Operation | Word Phrase | Example | Expression |
---|---|---|---|
Subtraction | minus | minus | |
difference | the difference of and | ||
decreased by | decreased by | ||
less than | less than | ||
subtracted from | subtracted from |
Example 1.36
Translate and then simplify:
- ⓐ the difference of and
- ⓑ subtract from
Translate and simplify:
- ⓐ the difference of and
- ⓑ subtract from
Translate and simplify:
- ⓐ decreased by
- ⓑ less than
Subtract Whole Numbers in Applications
To solve applications with subtraction, we will use the same plan that we used with addition. First, we need to determine what we are asked to find. Then we write a phrase that gives the information to find it. We translate the phrase into math notation and then simplify to get the answer. Finally, we write a sentence to answer the question, using the appropriate units.
Example 1.37
The temperature in Chicago one morning was degrees Fahrenheit. A cold front arrived and by noon the temperature was degrees Fahrenheit. What was the difference between the temperature in the morning and the temperature at noon?
The high temperature on in Boston was degrees Fahrenheit, and the low temperature was degrees Fahrenheit. What was the difference between the high and low temperatures?
The weather forecast for June in St Louis predicts a high temperature of degrees Fahrenheit and a low of degrees Fahrenheit. What is the difference between the predicted high and low temperatures?
Example 1.38
A washing machine is on sale for Its regular price is What is the difference between the regular price and the sale price?
A television set is on sale for Its regular price is What is the difference between the regular price and the sale price?
A patio set is on sale for Its regular price is What is the difference between the regular price and the sale price?
Media Access Additional Online Resources
Section 1.3 Exercises
Practice Makes Perfect
Use Subtraction Notation
In the following exercises, translate from math notation to words.
Model Subtraction of Whole Numbers
In the following exercises, model the subtraction.
Subtract Whole Numbers
In the following exercises, subtract and then check by adding.
Translate Word Phrases to Algebraic Expressions
In the following exercises, translate and simplify.
The difference of and
The difference of and
Subtract from
Subtract from
decreased by
decreased by
less than
less than
Mixed Practice
In the following exercises, simplify.
In the following exercises, translate and simplify.
Sixty more than ninety-three
less than
The difference of and
Subtract Whole Numbers in Applications
In the following exercises, solve.
Temperature The high temperature on June in Las Vegas was degrees and the low temperature was degrees. What was the difference between the high and low temperatures?
Temperature The high temperature on June in Phoenix was degrees and the low was degrees. What was the difference between the high and low temperatures?
Class size Olivia’s third grade class has children. Last year, her second grade class had children. What is the difference between the number of children in Olivia’s third grade class and her second grade class?
Class size There are students in the school band and in the school orchestra. What is the difference between the number of students in the band and the orchestra?
Shopping A mountain bike is on sale for Its regular price is What is the difference between the regular price and the sale price?
Shopping A mattress set is on sale for Its regular price is What is the difference between the regular price and the sale price?
Savings John wants to buy a laptop that costs He has in his savings account. How much more does he need to save in order to buy the laptop?
Banking Mason had in his checking account. He spent How much money does he have left?
Everyday Math
Road trip Noah was driving from Philadelphia to Cincinnati, a distance of miles. He drove miles, stopped for gas, and then drove another miles before lunch. How many more miles did he have to travel?
Test Scores Sara needs points to pass her course. She scored on her first four tests. How many more points does Sara need to pass the course?
Writing Exercises
How does knowing addition facts help you to subtract numbers?
Self Check
ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.
ⓑ What does this checklist tell you about your mastery of this section? What steps will you take to improve?