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109 LearnersLast updated on August 30, 2025
Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
The mathematical operation of finding the difference between two numbers is known as subtraction. It helps solve problems that involve whole numbers and arithmetic calculations.
What is Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers?
Subtracting 5 and 6 digit numbers involves taking one number away from another to find the difference.
This requires borrowing from the higher place value when a digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend.
There are three main components of this operation:
Minuend: The number from which another number is subtracted.
Subtrahend: The number that is to be subtracted.
Difference: The result obtained after subtraction.
How to Subtract 5 and 6 Digit Numbers?
When subtracting 5 and 6 digit numbers, follow these steps:
Align the numbers: Write the numbers so that their digits are in columns according to place value.
Borrow if needed: If the digit in the minuend is smaller than the corresponding digit in the subtrahend, borrow from the next higher place value.
Subtract each column: Start from the rightmost column (units) and move to the left, subtracting each digit.
Methods to Subtract 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
The following are methods to subtract 5 and 6 digit numbers:
Method 1: Traditional Column Method
Step 1: Write the numbers one below the other, aligning digits by place value.
Step 2: If necessary, borrow from the higher place value.
Step 3: Subtract each column, starting from the right.
Example: Subtract 56432 from 67890. Solution: 67890 - 56432 --------- 11458
Method 2: Mental Subtraction
For smaller differences, mental subtraction can be used by breaking the numbers into manageable parts and subtracting each part individually.
Properties of Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
Subtraction of numbers has some characteristic properties:
Subtraction is not commutative Changing the order of the numbers changes the result, i.e., A - B ≠ B - A.
Subtraction is not associative Rearranging the grouping of numbers changes the result.
(A − B) − C ≠ A − (B − C) Subtracting zero leaves the number unchanged Subtracting zero from a number does not change the number: A - 0 = A.
Tips and Tricks for Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
Here are some tips to efficiently subtract 5 and 6 digit numbers:
Tip 1: Always check if borrowing is necessary before subtracting each column.
Tip 2: Double-check your alignment to ensure each digit is correctly placed by value.
Tip 3: Break down complex problems into smaller parts to simplify mental subtraction.
Forgetting to borrow
Sometimes, students forget to borrow when the minuend digit is smaller.
Always check and borrow if needed.
Mistake 1
Misalignment of digits
Ensure digits are aligned correctly by place value to avoid incorrect subtraction.
Mistake 2
Ignoring zero as a placeholder
Use zero as a placeholder to maintain correct alignment during subtraction if one number has fewer digits.
Mistake 3
Incorrect borrowing
Borrow correctly from the next column and adjust the digits accordingly to avoid errors.
Mistake 4
Missing the sign of the result
In complex problems, ensure the correct sign (positive or negative) is associated with the result.
Mistake 5
Examples of Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
Subtract 45678 from 123456
77778
Problem 1
Using the column method, 123456 - 45678 --------- 77778
Subtract 234567 from 345678
Explanation
111111
Problem 2
Using the column method, 345678 - 234567 --------- 111111
Subtract 98765 from 198765
Explanation
100000
Problem 3
Using the column method, 198765 - 98765 --------- 100000
Subtract 67890 from 123456
Explanation
55566
Problem 4
Using the column method, 123456 - 67890 --------- 55566
Subtract 12345 from 54321
Explanation
41976
Yes, but the result will be negative. For example, 45678 - 123456 = -77778.
1.Is subtraction commutative?
2.What is borrowing in subtraction?
3.What is the first step in subtracting 5 and 6 digit numbers?
4.What happens if there is no digit to borrow from?
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Subtraction of 5 and 6 Digit Numbers
Subtraction can be tricky, leading to common mistakes.
Awareness of these errors helps in avoiding them.
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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.
