OPERATIONS

Column Subtraction

Learn the reliable method for column subtraction, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Column subtraction keeps equal place values aligned and exchanges when necessary.

Picture itLine up the operation one step at a time
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Align the digits by place value.
  2. Subtract from right to left, exchanging from the next column where needed.
  3. Check with the inverse addition.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

How much greater is 7,068 than 2,871?

  1. Regroup across the zero before subtracting each aligned column; the difference is 4,197.
Answer: 4,197
Example 2

A project budget is £12290. Equipment costs £2889 and materials cost £1921. How much remains?

  1. First add the costs: 2889 + 1921 = 4810.
  2. Then subtract: 12290 − 4810 = 7480.
Answer: £7480
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Check with the inverse addition.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.