Partial-Differences Subtraction Method

1. Subtract from left to right, one column at a time.

2. Always subtract the smaller number from the larger number:

· If the smaller number is on the top, include a minus sign before the difference. Subtract the difference from the answer.

3. Add up the answers from each column.

Example: 759 – 384 =

			7	5	9
		-	3	8	4
Subtract the 100s	700 - 300	+	4	0	0
Subtract the 10s	50 - 80	-		3	0	*
Subtract the 1s	9 - 4	+			5
Find the total	400 – 30 + 5		3	7	5

* Remember to include a minus sign if the smaller number (50) is on top.