SSAT Elementary Level Math : How to subtract

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Elementary Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #211 : Numbers And Operations

\dpi{100} 342-31=

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} 321

\dpi{100} 271

\dpi{100} 301

\dpi{100} 311

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} 311

Explanation:

Write 342.  Write 31 just below it, with the 3 under the 4, and the 1 under the 2.  Now subtract straight down, starting on the right side. 

\dpi{100} 2-1=1

\dpi{100} 4-3=1

\dpi{100} 3-0=3

Our answer is 311.

Example Question #1 : How To Subtract

\dpi{100} \frac{8}{9}-\frac{4}{9}=

Possible Answers:

\dpi{100} \frac{8}{9}

\dpi{100} 4

\dpi{100} \frac{1}{9}

\dpi{100} \frac{4}{9}

Correct answer:

\dpi{100} \frac{4}{9}

Explanation:

The bottom is the same in both fractions. This means that we can subtract straight across for the top numbers.  The bottom number remains the same.

\dpi{100} \frac{8}{9}-\frac{4}{9}= \frac{8-4}{9}=\frac{4}{9}

Example Question #2 : How To Subtract

Find the difference.

 

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Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract the ones , then the tens, then the hundres place.  The difference is 414.

Example Question #4 : How To Subtract

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Example Question #5 : How To Subtract

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Example Question #5 : How To Subtract

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Example Question #7 : How To Subtract

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Example Question #3 : How To Subtract

Find the difference. 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Line up the digits vertically. When subtracting the digits in the ones place, you will need to borrow a ten, so the 8 in the tens place becomes a 7 and the 1 in the ones place becomes 11. Now subtract the digits in the ones place . Now subtract the digits in the tens place . The difference is 55.

Example Question #2 : How To Subtract

Derrick saw nine birds sitting on a tree branch. Three flew away. Then two more flew away. How many birds are on the tree branch now?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Subtract; start with nine birds. Three flew away: .

Six are left, then two more flew away: .

Four birds are left on the branch.

Example Question #10 : How To Subtract

Find the difference between 327 and 531.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To find the difference, you need to subtract. When subtracting, always remember to put the greater number first!

Line the numbers up vertically.

Subtract each column, starting with the ones place and moving to the left. You will need to cancel in order to subtract the ones.

The difference between 327 and 531 is 204.

 

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