What does difference mean in math?

In math, the difference is the result of a subtraction. In 12 − 5 = 7, the difference is 7. It also measures how far apart two numbers are: on a number line, 12 sits 7 steps after 5. So when a question says “find the difference”, it is asking you to subtract the smaller number from the bigger one.

How do you subtract with regrouping?

Regrouping, also called borrowing, means swapping one ten for ten ones when a top digit is too small. In 402 − 157, the ones need help, but the tens column holds 0. So first turn one hundred into 10 tens, then lend one of those tens to the ones. Now 12 − 7 = 5, 9 − 5 = 4 and 3 − 1 = 2, so the answer is 245.

Is there a trick for subtracting in your head?

A trick that works well is to count up from the smaller number instead of taking away. For 61 − 47, jump from 47 to 50, which is 3, then from 50 to 61, which is 11. Add the jumps, 3 + 11 = 14, and that is the answer. It is quickest when the two numbers sit close together.

At what age do kids learn subtraction?

In many school systems, children start taking away within 10 at about age 5 or 6, and subtract two-digit numbers with regrouping at about 7 or 8. Large numbers usually follow by age 9 or 10. The levels here cover ages 4 to 9, and one Olympic level sits above them for anyone who wants a real marathon.

Is this subtraction math game free, and can I use it in class?

Yes, every subtraction level, up to the Olympic chain, is free in the browser with no download and no signup. For subtraction practice in class, put one problem on the board and have pupils prove the answer by adding back. After that, pupils fight on tablets, each on a level that fits. With the schools plan, priced per pupil, you follow the whole class on a teacher dashboard and see who is improving.

Math practice · reimagined

Subtraction Game

In this subtraction fighting game, the first level asks things like 9 − 3, and the last is an Olympic chain of seven numbers, each seven digits long. Type every answer before your rival does, and your fighter turns it into a blow.

Ages 4–99+ · no download · plays in your browser · 23 languages

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What is subtraction?

Subtraction takes one number away from another to find how many are left. Its sign is −, read “minus”, and the answer is called the difference. Put seven spoons on the table and remove four of them. Three spoons stay behind, so 7 − 4 = 3.

Every level of Subtraction

Example: 45 − 27, with a borrow

Start with the ones: 5 is smaller than 7, so 7 cannot come out of 5 yet.
Borrow one ten from the 4 tens, which leaves 3 tens and turns the 5 ones into 15.
Now take away each column: 15 − 7 = 8 ones, and 3 − 2 = 1 ten.
One ten and eight ones make 18, so you type 18.

Learn it step by step

Subtracting means taking some away and seeing what's left.

You have 5 cookies and you eat 2. How many are left? Take away 2 — 5, 4, 3 — you have 3 left. So 5 − 2 = 3.

Start at the big number and count backwards as many steps as the small number. Type what's left.

Tips and common mistakes

Check any answer by adding back: what is left plus what you took away rebuilds the starting number. For 62 − 25 = 37, 37 + 25 = 62.
Many children take the smaller digit from the bigger one in every column, so 63 − 28 turns into 45. Borrow when the top digit is smaller to get 35.
Put ten grapes on a plate, hide some under a cup and ask how many are hiding. Then swap roles: your child hides them and you work it out.

How to play

Each round, one subtraction appears between the fighters, and your rival faces the same one. Work out what is left and type it on the keypad: the first correct answer lets Mushroom strike, and the faster it comes, the bigger the damage. Miss, and you are stunned for a moment; chain four right answers for a finisher.

— Quick answers —

Subtraction: the short FAQ

What does difference mean in math?: In math, the difference is the result of a subtraction. In 12 − 5 = 7, the difference is 7. It also measures how far apart two numbers are: on a number line, 12 sits 7 steps after 5. So when a question says “find the difference”, it is asking you to subtract the smaller number from the bigger one.
How do you subtract with regrouping?: Regrouping, also called borrowing, means swapping one ten for ten ones when a top digit is too small. In 402 − 157, the ones need help, but the tens column holds 0. So first turn one hundred into 10 tens, then lend one of those tens to the ones. Now 12 − 7 = 5, 9 − 5 = 4 and 3 − 1 = 2, so the answer is 245.
Is there a trick for subtracting in your head?: A trick that works well is to count up from the smaller number instead of taking away. For 61 − 47, jump from 47 to 50, which is 3, then from 50 to 61, which is 11. Add the jumps, 3 + 11 = 14, and that is the answer. It is quickest when the two numbers sit close together.
At what age do kids learn subtraction?: In many school systems, children start taking away within 10 at about age 5 or 6, and subtract two-digit numbers with regrouping at about 7 or 8. Large numbers usually follow by age 9 or 10. The levels here cover ages 4 to 9, and one Olympic level sits above them for anyone who wants a real marathon.
Is this subtraction math game free, and can I use it in class?: Yes, every subtraction level, up to the Olympic chain, is free in the browser with no download and no signup. For subtraction practice in class, put one problem on the board and have pupils prove the answer by adding back. After that, pupils fight on tablets, each on a level that fits. With the schools plan, priced per pupil, you follow the whole class on a teacher dashboard and see who is improving.

More math to master

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