Master Subtraction
Subtract whole numbers with confidence. Learn place value, borrowing, and strategies for subtracting numbers. Practice with our interactive tool and get instant feedback. Positive numbers only.
What is Subtraction?
Taking away to find the difference
Subtraction is one of the four basic arithmetic operations. When you subtract, you find how much is left after taking away one number from another. Start with the ones place, then tens, hundreds. When a digit is too small, you borrow from the next column.
Place Value
Subtract from right to left, one place at a time. Align numbers by place value.
Practice Subtraction →Subtraction Rules
Key steps for subtracting whole numbers
Subtract from Right to Left
Start with the ones place, then tens, hundreds, and so on. Align numbers by place value.
Borrowing
When the top digit is smaller than the bottom, borrow 10 from the column to the left.
Subtraction Examples
Worked examples
Basic Examples
Why Subtraction Matters
Subtraction is essential for everyday life: change from purchases, measuring differences, and solving word problems.
Applications
Used in shopping, time, measurements, and any situation where you find the difference between quantities.
Start Practicing Subtraction
Practice with our infinite generator and get instant feedback
Subtraction Practice
Practice subtracting whole numbers with easy, medium, and hard levels.
Start PracticingSubtraction Practice Hub
Free, infinite subtraction practice with instant feedback. Learn more and start practicing.
Subtraction Practice Hub