Introduction to Subtraction with Zeros

Hello, Year 5! Today, we are going to learn about subtraction with zeros. This can be a little tricky, but don’t worry! We’ll break it down step-by-step so it becomes easy for you.

What is Subtraction?

Subtraction is taking away one number from another. For example, if you have 5 apples and you give away 2, you have:

$$

5 – 2 = 3

$$

What Are Zeros in Subtraction?

Sometimes, when we are subtracting, we have to deal with the number 0. A zero means there is nothing there. So, when you see a zero in subtraction, it helps us understand how many we are taking away.

Key Rules for Subtraction with Zeros

  1. Subtracting Zero: If you subtract zero from any number, the number stays the same.
    • Example:
    7 – 0 = 7
  2. Subtracting from a Number with Zeros: When you subtract from a number that has zeros, you need to pay attention to each digit, just like regular subtraction.
    • Example:
    400 – 50Here, you can think of it as:
    • Subtract 0 from 0 (which is still 0).
    • Subtract 0 from 0 (which is still 0).
    • Subtract 4 from 4 (which is 3).
    So, our answer is 350.

Tips and Tricks

  • Line Up the Numbers: Always write the numbers one under the other, making sure the digits are lined up properly. This helps you see which digits to subtract.
  • Start from the Right: Begin subtracting from the rightmost digit. If you come across a zero, remember that subtracting zero does not change the number.
  • Regroup if Needed: If you need to borrow (or regroup) because you can’t subtract a bigger number from a smaller one, that’s okay! Just remember to adjust the digits properly.

Examples

Let’s look at a few examples together.

  1. Example 1:205 – 120
    • Start with the right:
      • 5 – 0 = 5
      • 0 – 2 (we can’t do this, so we borrow from the 2, making it 1) gives us 10 – 2 = 8.
      • 1 – 1 = 0.
    • Answer: 85
  2. Example 2:1000 – 750
    • Right: 0 – 0 = 0.
    • Middle: 0 – 5 (we can’t do this, so we borrow from the 1, making it 10 – 5 = 5).
    • Left: 0 – 7 (we can’t do this, so we borrow from the 1 in the 1000, making it 10 – 7 = 3).
    • Answer: 250

Practice Questions

Easy Level Questions

  1. 50 – 0
  2. 300 – 200
  3. 100 – 0
  4. 450 – 50
  5. 600 – 600
  6. 0 – 0
  7. 700 – 0
  8. 250 – 150
  9. 120 – 20
  10. 80 – 0

Medium Level Questions

  1. 405 – 205
  2. 600 – 350
  3. 800 – 200
  4. 150 – 50
  5. 270 – 70
  6. 940 – 600
  7. 500 – 240
  8. 360 – 100
  9. 700 – 450
  10. 820 – 320

Hard Level Questions

  1. 1000 – 750
  2. 905 – 405
  3. 520 – 220
  4. 900 – 555
  5. 1000 – 999
  6. 630 – 250
  7. 840 – 420
  8. 760 – 360
  9. 450 – 330
  10. 980 – 780

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. 50
  2. 100
  3. 100
  4. 400
  5. 0
  6. 0
  7. 700
  8. 100
  9. 100
  10. 80

Medium Level Answers

  1. 200
  2. 250
  3. 600
  4. 100
  5. 200
  6. 340
  7. 260
  8. 260
  9. 250
  10. 500

Hard Level Answers

  1. 250
  2. 500
  3. 300
  4. 345
  5. 1
  6. 380
  7. 420
  8. 400
  9. 120
  10. 200

Now you have a better understanding of subtraction with zeros! Remember to practice these questions, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time! Keep working hard and have fun with maths!