102 LearnersLast updated on 30 August 2025
Subtraction of Percentage
The mathematical operation of finding the difference between two percentages is known as the subtraction of percentages. It helps simplify calculations and solve problems that involve percentage values, which are essential in finance, statistics, and everyday arithmetic.
What is Subtraction of Percentage?
Subtracting percentages involves finding the difference between two percentage values.
This requires converting percentages to decimals or fractions if necessary, performing the subtraction, and then possibly converting the result back to a percentage.
This operation is commonly used in comparing proportions, calculating discounts, and analyzing statistical data.
How to do Subtraction of Percentage?
When subtracting percentages, follow these steps:
Convert to decimals: Convert the percentage values to decimals by dividing by 100 if needed.
Subtract: Subtract the second decimal from the first.
Convert back: If required, convert the result back to a percentage by multiplying by 100.
Methods to do Subtraction of Percentage
The following are methods for subtracting percentages:
Method 1: Direct Subtraction
If the percentages are simple, you can directly subtract one percentage from another.
Example: Subtract 25% from 40%.
Solution: 40% - 25% = 15%
Method 2: Decimal Method
Convert the percentages to decimals, subtract, and convert the result back to a percentage.
Example: Subtract 12.5% from 50%.
Solution:
Step 1: 50% = 0.50, 12.5% = 0.125
Step 2: 0.50 - 0.125 = 0.375
Step 3: 0.375 × 100 = 37.5%
Answer: 37.5%
Properties of Subtraction of Percentage
In percentage subtraction, certain properties are noteworthy:
Subtraction is not commutative Changing the order changes the result, i.e., A% - B% ≠ B% - A%
Subtraction is not associative Regrouping changes the outcome, i.e., (A% − B%) − C% ≠ A% − (B% − C%)
Zero subtraction property Subtracting 0% from a percentage leaves the percentage unchanged: A% - 0% = A%
Negative results Subtraction can result in a negative percentage if the subtrahend is larger than the minuend.
Tips and Tricks for Subtraction of Percentage
These tips can simplify the subtraction of percentages:
Tip 1: Convert to decimals for easier calculation, especially with complex percentages.
Tip 2: Estimate using round numbers to quickly gauge reasonableness before calculation.
Tip 3: Use mental math for simple percentages to save time.
Forgetting conversion
Failing to convert percentages to decimals before subtracting can lead to incorrect results. Always ensure conversion before operation.
Mistake 1
Incorrect order
Subtracting in the wrong order can change the result. Pay attention to the order of terms.
Mistake 2
Ignoring decimal places
Neglecting the number of decimal places can lead to rounding errors. Be consistent with decimal places.
Mistake 3
Not converting back to percentage
Forgetting to convert the result back to a percentage can lead to misinterpretation.
Mistake 4
Overlooking negative results
Negative results indicate a reversal in expected values, and they should not be ignored in analysis.
Mistake 5
Examples of Subtraction of Percentage
Subtract 15% from 30%
15%
Problem 1
Direct subtraction: 30% - 15% = 15%
Subtract 8.5% from 20%
Explanation
11.50%
Problem 2
Use the decimal method: 20% = 0.20, 8.5% = 0.085 0.20 - 0.085 = 0.115 0.115 × 100 = 11.5%
Subtract 5% from 12.5%
Explanation
7.50%
Problem 3
Use direct subtraction: 12.5% - 5% = 7.5%
Subtract 22% from 33%
Explanation
11%
Problem 4
Direct subtraction: 33% - 22% = 11%
Subtract 45.5% from 50%
Explanation
4.50%
No, percentages must have the same base for direct subtraction. Adjust to the same base if they differ.
1.Is percentage subtraction commutative?
2.How do I handle negative results in percentage subtraction?
3.What is the first step in subtracting percentages?
4.What methods are used for subtracting percentages?
5.How can children in India use numbers in everyday life to understand Subtraction of Percentage?
6.What are some fun ways kids in India can practice Subtraction of Percentage with numbers?
7.What role do numbers and Subtraction of Percentage play in helping children in India develop problem-solving skills?
8.How can families in India create number-rich environments to improve Subtraction of Percentage skills?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Subtraction of Percentage
Subtraction of percentages can lead to common mistakes. Awareness can prevent these errors.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
