Subtraction Basics Be39C2

1. **Stating the problem:** We want to understand how to perform subtraction, which is the operation of finding the difference between two numbers. 2. **Formula and explanation:** Subtraction is written as $a - b$, where $a$ is the minuend (the number you start with) and $b$ is the subtrahend (the number you take away). 3. **Important rules:** - If $a > b$, the result is positive. - If $a < b$, the result is negative. - If $a = b$, the result is zero. 4. **Example:** Calculate $7 - 3$. 5. **Intermediate work:** $$7 - 3 = 4$$ 6. **Explanation:** Starting with $7$, we take away $3$, leaving $4$. 7. **Another example with borrowing:** Calculate $15 - 8$. 8. **Intermediate work:** - Since $5 < 8$, we borrow $1$ from the $1$ in the tens place (which represents $10$), making the $5$ become $15$. - Now subtract: $$15 - 8 = 7$$ - The tens place reduces by $1$, so $1 - 1 = 0$. - Final answer: $7$ 8. **Summary:** Subtraction means taking away one number from another, and sometimes borrowing is needed when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit.