In the last lesson, you learned how to subtract 4-digit numbers.
Let's try subtracting even larger numbers. The steps are the same.
Subtract big numbers using column form.
Let's try it together.
13,418 - 10,254 = ?
First, write the numbers in column form, like this.
Next, subtract the digits in the Ones place.
8 - 4 = 4. Next, let's subtract the Tens.
The bottom number is bigger than the top number, so we have to regroup, or borrow.
To regroup means to borrow from one place higher.
We don't change the value of the number when we regroup.
We regroup 4 Hundreds into 3 Hundreds and 10 Tens.
Then we add 10 Tens to the Tens place. This makes 11 Tens.
After regrouping, or borrowing, we can now subtract the Tens.
11 - 5 = 6.
Next, we subtract the Hundreds digits.
Remember that we regrouped the Hundreds and gave some of it to the Tens place. So we only have 3 Hundreds now.
Then, we subtract the Thousands digits.
Finally, we subtract the Ten Thousands.
1 - 1 = 0
We found the answer:
13,418 - 10,254 = 3,164 ✅
Great job! 👏
To subtract six- and seven-digit numbers, follow the same steps:
1️⃣ Use column form.
2️⃣ Start with the Ones column and subtract column by column.
3️⃣ Regroup, or borrow, from a bigger column if you need.
Think you got it? Try it for yourself in the practice.