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:
    $$400 – 50$$Here, 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!