Long Subtraction Calculator
Perform step-by-step long subtraction with detailed explanations and borrowing visualization
Long Subtraction Calculator
The larger number (what you're subtracting from)
The number being subtracted
Example Calculation
Example: 4520.12 - 515.90
Key Steps
- 1. Align numbers by decimal point
- 2. Start from rightmost column
- 3. Borrow when top digit is smaller than bottom digit
- 4. Continue column by column to the left
Long Subtraction Rules
Alignment
Align numbers by place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.)
Start Right
Begin subtraction from the rightmost column
Borrowing
When top digit is smaller, borrow from the left column
Continue Left
Move to the next column and repeat
Borrowing Tips
When borrowing, subtract 1 from the left column
Add 10 to the current column's top digit
If borrowing from 0, continue to the next left column
Remember: borrowing makes a chain of changes
Understanding Long Subtraction
What is Long Subtraction?
Long subtraction is a systematic method for subtracting multi-digit numbers. It involves aligning numbers by place value and subtracting column by column, borrowing when necessary.
Key Terms
- •Minuend: The number being subtracted from (top number)
- •Subtrahend: The number being subtracted (bottom number)
- •Difference: The result of the subtraction
- •Borrowing: Taking 1 from a higher place value column
When to Use Long Subtraction
- •Subtracting large numbers
- •Working with decimal numbers
- •Educational purposes and learning
- •When mental math isn't practical
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong: Not aligning digits properly by place value
Wrong: Forgetting to borrow when needed
Wrong: Not updating all affected columns when borrowing