Subtracting a number from a bigger number involves finding the difference between the two. The reference discusses a scenario where you have a smaller number subtracted from a larger number, but it focuses more on handling the reverse (subtracting a larger number from a smaller one). Let's clarify the fundamental process.
Here's how to subtract a number (the subtrahend) from a bigger number (the minuend):
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Write the numbers vertically: Place the bigger number (minuend) on top and the smaller number (subtrahend) below it, aligning the digits by place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.).
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Subtract each column: Start from the rightmost column (ones place) and subtract the bottom digit from the top digit.
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Borrow if necessary: If the bottom digit is larger than the top digit in a column, you need to "borrow" from the column to the left. Borrowing 1 from the next column to the left adds 10 to the current column.
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Continue subtracting: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each column, moving from right to left.
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The result: The resulting number is the difference, or the result of the subtraction.
Example:
Let's subtract 25 from 78.
78 (Minuend)
- 25 (Subtrahend)
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53 (Difference)- Ones column: 8 - 5 = 3
- Tens column: 7 - 2 = 5
Therefore, 78 - 25 = 53
Important Note: The reference mentions a situation where a smaller number is subtracted from a larger number, resulting in a negative number. While not directly answering the initial question, it's a useful related concept. In that scenario (e.g., 76 - 82), you would indeed reverse the order, subtract, and apply a negative sign, as the reference explains: "82 minus 76 is equal to a negative."
