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Numbers can be subtracted using the column method.

Watch this video to learn about subtracting 4-digit numbers using the column method.

Let's have a look at using this method to subtract one 3-digit number from another.

What is 343 - 237?

When using a place value column to subtract two large numbers, sometimes the second number will be larger than the first. This means it cannot be directly subtracted. You need to exchange a digit from the next column.

This example shows how it works:

If you can subtract two three-digit numbers from each other, then you can use the same method to subtract two four-digit numbers!

You use the exact same method no matter how many digits are in the numbers.

Take a look at this example:

• Use the column method to help subtract large numbers.
• Separate the numbers into their place value of ones, tens, hundreds and thousands.
• Start on the right with the ones column first.
• Estimate your answer first and then always check your actual answer.
• Subtraction is the opposite to addition, so subtraction can be checked by adding. For example, check that 182 - 37 = 145 by doing the sum 145 + 37 = 182.
• Look out for these words in problems: take away, difference, less than, minus, decrease, fewer than, reduce. They all indicate subtraction.