Operation
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Learn borrow subtraction step by step
➖ Learn subtraction with borrowing using a board, borrows and clear steps. Solve and Practice modes, difficulty-based exercises, check answers and view solution.
Learn to Subtract with Borrowing (Step by Step)
Subtract two numbers (optional decimals) and see borrowing on a column board. In Practice you complete each column yourself with automatic feedback.
Result
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Enter the minuend and the subtrahend or practice on the board. In Practice mode complete the operation without seeing the final result.
The board will appear here. Press “=” to see the column subtraction.
Errors: 0
Streak: 0
PERFECT
Press “Generate exercise” to prepare a subtraction and then practice step by step.
Step 0/0
How to subtract with borrowing (column method)
- Align the decimal point. Place the minuend and subtrahend so the decimal point is in the same column. If a decimal is missing, it equals 0.
- Start on the right. Subtract the units column (or the last decimal) from right to left.
- Write the result. Record the digit in this column. If a borrow is needed, the board will indicate it.
- Complete the borrow if needed. Take 1 from the left column; if there are zeros, the borrow passes through those columns. Then return to the digit.
- Repeat column by column. Continue until the entire operation is complete.
Positive and negative numbers are allowed. You can use a comma or dot for decimals. If the result is negative, the “−” sign is shown automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Borrowing means taking 1 from the left column when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. That 1 becomes 10 in the current column.
Move left until you find a digit different from 0. That digit drops by 1 and the intermediate zeros become 9. So 1000 − 7 becomes 0999 − 7 and the result is 993.
Align the decimal points and subtract by columns just like with integers. If a number has fewer decimals, pad with zeros (for example, 1.2 = 1.20).
Press “Practice” → “Generate exercise”. Fill in column by column. You can write the result digit first; if a borrow is needed in that column, complete it and the board will then validate the digit. Correction is automatic and there is no “Check” button.
