How to Borrow in Subtraction! …for Kids!

Understanding Borrowing in Subtraction

Subtraction can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when you need to take away a bigger number from a smaller one. This article will help you understand “borrowing” in subtraction using fun examples to make it easier!

What is Borrowing in Subtraction?

Borrowing happens when you need to subtract a bigger number from a smaller number in a certain place. You can’t do the subtraction directly, so you “borrow” from the next higher place value. This helps you solve subtraction problems correctly.

The Basics of Subtraction

When you subtract, the bigger number should always be on top. For example, if you want to subtract 9 from 27, you write it like this:

  27
-  9

Here, 27 is the bigger number, and 9 is the smaller number.

The Pizza Analogy

Let’s use a fun pizza example to understand borrowing. Imagine you go to a pizza shop and ask for some slices, but they don’t have enough.

Example 1: 27 – 9

1. Setting Up the Problem: You want to subtract 9 from 27. Write it like this:

  27
-  9

2. Identifying the Problem: Look at the ones place. You have 7 (from 27) and need to subtract 9. Since 7 is less than 9, you can’t take away 9 slices from 7 slices.
3. Borrowing: Borrow from the next column (the tens place). Change the 2 in the tens place to 1 and add 10 to the 7 in the ones place, making it 17.

  1(7)
-   9

4. Performing the Subtraction: Now, subtract 9 from 17, which equals 8. Write that down:

  1(7)
-   9
-----
    8

5. Finishing Up: You have 1 left in the tens place. Since there’s nothing to subtract from it, it stays the same. The final answer is 18.

Example 2: 62 – 36

Let’s try another example to practice borrowing.

1. Setting Up the Problem: You want to subtract 36 from 62:

  62
- 36

2. Identifying the Problem: In the ones place, you have 2 and need to subtract 6. Since 2 is less than 6, you need to borrow.
3. Borrowing: Borrow from the 6 in the tens place, changing it to 5, and add 10 to the 2, making it 12.

  5(12)
-   6

4. Performing the Subtraction: Now, subtract 6 from 12, which equals 6. Write that down:

  5(12)
-   6
-----
    6

5. Finishing Up: Subtract the tens: 5 minus 3 equals 2. Write that down:

  62
- 36
-----
  26

So, 62 minus 36 equals 26.

Conclusion

Borrowing in subtraction is an important skill that helps you solve more challenging math problems. By using fun examples like the pizza analogy, you can better understand how to subtract a bigger number from a smaller one. Practice these steps, and subtraction will become much easier for you!